The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for granting a waiver on lifesaving HIV medicines and medical services, following President Donald Trump’s recent executive order suspending foreign aid spending for 90 days.
The Executive order, issued last week, had sparked concerns among stakeholders in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, given the country’s heavy reliance on external funding for treatment and care.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) currently covers about 90% of the treatment burden in Nigeria, making it the largest donor to the nation’s HIV response.
A statement from NACA, signed by its Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, highlighted the significance of the waiver, which ensures uninterrupted distribution of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and other essential medical services for people living with HIV in Nigeria.
While welcoming the exemption, Dr. Ilori emphasised the need for Nigeria to intensify efforts in mobilising domestic resources to sustain the Country’s HIV response and reduce vulnerability to policy shifts in foreign aid.
“Nigeria must take proactive steps towards ownership and sustainability of its HIV response,” she said.
Dr. Ilori emphasised the need for Nigeria to intensify efforts in mobilising domestic resources to sustain the Country’s HIV that continued collaboration among stakeholders is essential to achieving the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.
She urged state governments, private sector partners, lawmakers, civil society organisations, and the media to remain committed to the national HIV response.
The patient community was also encouraged to continue accessing HIV treatment services at designated healthcare facilities across the country.
Dr. Ilori reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for the U.S. government’s longstanding support and pledged to strengthen local efforts to mitigate the impact of any future foreign aid policy adjustments.
“NACA remains committed to ensuring that people living with HIV receive the care and treatment they need while advocating for sustainable funding mechanisms to safeguard Nigeria’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” She added.