Trump stops HIV funding for Nigeria, others

By Henry Oduah

The US government has suspended financial support for HIV treatment programmes in Nigeria and other developing countries following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.

This decision has led to a 90-day halt in disbursements from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a US initiative providing HIV/AIDS treatment across Africa and other regions. The move stems from an executive order signed on Trump’s first day in office which directed all government agencies managing foreign development aid to pause the distribution of funds.

PEPFAR, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, delivers life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people globally. Since its inception, the programme has reportedly saved 26 million lives, making it a cornerstone of global health efforts.

According to NPR, the suspension of PEPFAR funding could last for at least three months unless the programme receives an exemption. Public health experts are now raising concerns about the potential long-term effects, with fears that the Trump administration might entirely terminate the programme.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce was quoted as saying the US “is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people.”

Nigeria, one of the countries most affected by HIV globally, stands to be significantly impacted by this suspension. With approximately two million Nigerians living with HIV, PEPFAR has been critical in providing life-saving medication and bolstering healthcare infrastructure.

Over the years, PEPFAR has contributed over $6 billion to Nigeria’s national HIV/AIDS response, saving countless lives and helping control the spread of the virus.