The National AIDS Agency (NACA) has reassured patients with HIV in Nigeria of adequate services in the middle of the recent executive order signed by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, which imposes a freezing of 90 days in foreign aid expense.
The order affects the financing for HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) programs, which increases the alarm among health interested in Nigeria.
A statement by the Director General of Naca, Dr. Theitope Ilori, declared that “Nigeria has the greatest number of people living with HIV in Western and Central Africa, and international support has been fundamental to maintain his HIV/AIDS response” .
“The president's emergency plan for AIDS relief (Pepfar), the global HIV/AIDS initiative of the United States government, currently finances approximately 90% of Nigeria HIV treatment programs.”
“Although the executive order initially threatened to interrupt the treatment with lifeguards, the Trump administration issued an exemption on January 28, 2025, allowing the continuous distribution of antiretroviral drugs (ARV) and essential medical services backed by Pepfar.
“Naca welcomed this decision with approval, noting that it provides temporary relief for HIV/AIDS programs in the country.”
Naca also reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to reduce the dependence on foreign aid by intensifying the mobilization of national resources.
The agency also emphasized the need for greater collaboration between government officials, private sector, civil society organizations and the media to guarantee a sustainable response to HIV/AIDS.
Ilori expressed his appreciation to the United States government for exemption and urged the continuous support of all those interested in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
She assured patients that treatment services remain available and encouraged them to continue accessing care at service provision points throughout the country.
The statement also highlighted the Government's long -term objective to end aid by 2030, emphasizing the importance of creating favorable policies and strengthening local financing mechanisms to safeguard Nigeria's HIV response against external financing uncertainties.