by Godson Orozo Abuja-
The United States government has halted funding for HIV treatment programs in Nigeria and other developing nations under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This decision follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.
On his first day in office, Trump issued an order instructing US government agencies to stop disbursing foreign aid, including funds designated for global health programs. The US State Department later announced a 90-day suspension of PEPFAR funding. This program has been a lifeline for millions, providing HIV treatment to over 20.6 million people worldwide.
In a statement, the US State Department said, “The United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people.”
With an annual budget of $6.5 billion, PEPFAR has been critical in fighting the HIV epidemic across Africa and other developing regions. Since its launch, the program has been credited with saving approximately 26 million lives.
Public health experts are warning of severe consequences if this suspension persists. “A prolonged halt in PEPFAR operations could disrupt life-saving treatments for millions of patients,” one health expert cautioned.In Nigeria, where about two million people are living with HIV, the effects could be devastating.
PEPFAR has invested over $6 billion in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, providing essential antiretroviral treatment and strengthening healthcare systems.“ Nigeria heavily depends on programs like PEPFAR to tackle its HIV epidemic,” said a healthcare worker in Abuja. “If this funding stops, the progress we’ve made will be in jeopardy.”
The future of the program remains uncertain. While some hold out hope that figures like Senator Marco Rubio, a previous supporter of PEPFAR, might push for its continuation, others fear that the Trump administration may permanently shut it down, leaving millions without treatment.Meanwhile, health experts and advocacy groups are urging the US government to reconsider its decision.
They warn that suspending PEPFAR funding could reverse years of progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS and have dire consequences for countries like Nigeria.
