Trump Administration Halts HIV Funding In Nigeria, Others

The 90-day freeze, part of an executive order on foreign aid issued by President Trump, affects both new and existing funding, including ongoing HIV/AIDS initiatives. U.S. diplomats and public health experts have expressed surprise and concern over the directive, warning of its potential consequences.

Washington D. C. – The Trump administration has issued a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, halting funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has been instrumental in combating HIV/AIDS globally since 2003.

PEPFAR, which has invested over $85 billion in 54 countries, is credited with saving more than 17 million lives. In Nigeria alone, the U.S. has injected over $6 billion into the national HIV/AIDS response, significantly boosting the country’s fight against the epidemic.

However, the funding freeze has raised serious concerns about the future of Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS programs. A source at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) revealed that PEPFAR had already begun scaling back its support, expecting the Nigerian government to take over the responsibility for HIV/AIDS and malaria programs. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s inability to fully assume control has resulted in dwindling resources and reduced U.S. support.

“With the ongoing reduction in funding and resources, if the U.S. pulls its remaining support, we will be in serious trouble. The progress we’ve made so far could be jeopardized,” the source warned.

PEPFAR’s impact in Nigeria has been substantial, with over 1 million women and children receiving life-saving HIV treatment. The program has also played a critical role in reducing new infections and providing care to millions who would otherwise lack access to treatment.

The 90-day freeze, part of an executive order on foreign aid issued by President Trump, affects both new and existing funding, including ongoing HIV/AIDS initiatives. U.S. diplomats and public health experts have expressed surprise and concern over the directive, warning of its potential consequences.