FG Secures Waiver For HIV Treatment

The Nigerian government and health stakeholders have expressed concern over President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which imposes a 90-day freeze on foreign aid spending.

The temporary pause, aimed at reevaluating and realigning U.S. foreign development assistance, initially raised alarms regarding its impact on Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, which heavily relies on international support.

Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in the West and Central African region. For over two decades, global partners, including the United States, have supported the country’s efforts in prevention, treatment, and care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The U.S. government’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been instrumental in sustaining Nigeria’s HIV treatment program, covering nearly 90 per cent of the treatment costs.

However, following concerns from global health advocates, the Trump administration granted a waiver on January 28, 2025, ensuring that lifesaving HIV medications and medical services remain unaffected by the aid freeze. This waiver means that people living with HIV in Nigeria will continue to receive antiretroviral (ARV) medications and critical medical support funded by PEPFAR.

The Nigerian government welcomed the waiver but remains cautious about potential long-term U.S. foreign aid policy changes.

In response, authorities are ramping up efforts to secure domestic funding for HIV programs, aiming to reduce dependency on external donors and ensure sustainability.

Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori, reassured the public that HIV treatment services would continue uninterrupted.

Ilori also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organisations, and policymakers to maintain progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“We encourage the patient community to continue accessing HIV treatment services across the country. Additionally, we appeal to all stakeholders—state governments, the private sector, legislators, civil society, and the media—to sustain their commitment to combating HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Ilori stated.

With a strategic focus on policy advocacy, resource mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement, Nigeria remains committed to ending AIDS by 2030 despite uncertainties in foreign aid policies.