The National Agency for the Control of AIDS on Wednesday reassured Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that the country has a steady supply of antiretroviral drugs.
This assurance came after a statement from the World Health Organisation regarding the disruption in the supply of HIV treatments in several countries, including Nigeria, following the United States’ decision to halt foreign aid.
The WHO highlighted the potential impact of this decision on HIV programmes in Nigeria, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ukraine.
At a press briefing on Monday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, warned that the U.S. halt of foreign aid could jeopardise millions of lives and reverse two decades of progress in the fight against HIV.
He cautioned that such setbacks could result in over 10 million new HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths, with other health initiatives, such as those addressing polio, malaria, and tuberculosis, also affected by the U.S. aid pause implemented by President Donald Trump shortly after he assumed office.
But in response, the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government had taken proactive measures to mitigate any potential shortage of HIV drugs in the country.
“The Federal Executive Council approved $1.07bn to finance healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity programme. Additionally, N4.8bn was approved for HIV treatment, and the Nigerian Senate has recently allocated N300bn to the health sector in the 2025 budget,” Ilori explained.
He said the allocations were part of the government’s efforts to address the immediate funding gap caused by the U.S. aid pause.
He emphasised that while the Nigerian government acknowledged the U.S. support over the past two decades, the aid withdrawal presented an opportunity to mobilise resources, take greater ownership, and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s HIV response.
“We want to assure Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that there is no shortage of drugs or consumables, and there will be no interruption in HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services in Nigeria. Our treatment centres and pharmacies will continue to have sufficient antiretroviral drugs, ensuring uninterrupted access to care,” Ilori added.
Additionally, the Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Dr. Amobi Ogah, noted on Tuesday that the Federal Government had allocated N700bn for the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and immunization.
This allocation is made in response to the U.S. administration’s withdrawal of financial support for these health issues in Nigeria.
NACA reiterated its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality HIV prevention, treatment, and care services.
