The federal government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to enhancing domestic resource mobilization strategies to promote ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in the country. This initiative aims to address potential risks stemming from fluctuations in donor aid policies.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has confirmed that measures are being implemented to ensure the attainment of Nigeria’s strategic goals and objectives in combating HIV.
Toyin Aderibigbe, the agency's Head of Public Relations and Protocol, highlighted that Nigeria is dedicated to achieving the target of ending AIDS by 2030 through effective collaboration with stakeholders, the establishment of favorable policies, the creation of an enabling environment, and advocacy directed at policymakers.
In a formal statement, Aderibigbe acknowledged the concerns and apprehensions surrounding reports of the Trump administration's cessation of aid for HIV/AIDS programs and treatment in Nigeria. He emphasized that the federal government remains focused on addressing the challenges facing the national response to HIV/AIDS.
The statement reads: “The recent executive order by the new U.S. Administration to reevaluate and realign United States’ foreign aid which includes a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance, has raised significant concerns among our stakeholders with regards to HIV/AIDS and TB technical support and funding.
“Nigeria has the highest number of people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in West and Central African region. Over the past two decades, partners in the global AIDS response have intensively supported the Nigerian government and institutions in the country, to scale-up prevention, treatment, care, and support for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
“The U.S government through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has immensely supported Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response over the years, particularly in sustaining the treatment of people living with HIV in Nigeria. PEPFAR Nigeria remains the biggest donor for treatment programme in the country as their contributions covers approximately 90% of the treatment burden.
“Last week, the Trump Administration issued an executive order halting foreign aid for 90 days. However, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Administration issued a waiver for lifesaving medicines and medical services, offering a reprieve for a worldwide HIV treatment programme. This waiver allows for the continuous distribution of HIV medications (ARVs) and medical services supported by PEPFAR in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government appreciates the U.S. government waiver and is mindful of the potential change to foreign aid in the near future under the new administration. The Nigerian government would intensify domestic resource mobilisation strategies towards ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in the country with a view to reducing the risks of donor aid policy shifts to the HIV response while ensuring that the country’s strategic goals and targets in the fight against HIV are achieved.
“Through effective stakeholder collaboration, creating favourable policies and enabling environment and advocacy to policy makers, Nigeria can still achieve the target of ending AIDS by 2030.
“We encourage the patient community to continue accessing HIV treatment services in service delivery points across the country and appeal to all our State Governors, private sector partners, all the honourable members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, civil society organizations, the media and all other relevant stakeholders, to continue in their commitment and support to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
“We appreciate the United States Government and all our international partners for their continued contributions and support to the national HIV response,” Aderibigbe remarked.