The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has assured Nigerians, especially those living with HIV, that there will be no disruption in the supply of antiretroviral drugs despite concerns over the impact of halted foreign aid.
This reassurance follows a recent statement by the World Health Organization (WHO), which warned that the U.S. government’s decision to pause foreign aid could affect HIV treatment programs in Nigeria, as well as in Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ukraine.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, raised concerns during a press briefing on Monday, stating that the funding cut could reverse two decades of progress in the global fight against HIV. He further cautioned that without urgent intervention, this disruption could lead to over 10 million new HIV infections and three million related deaths.
Addressing these concerns, the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, reassured Nigerians in a press statement that the Federal Government has already implemented proactive measures to mitigate any potential drug shortages.
“The Federal Executive Council has approved $1.07 billion for healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity programme, with an additional N4.8 billion earmarked for HIV treatment. Furthermore, the Nigerian Senate has recently allocated N300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget,” the statement read.
Dr. Ilori emphasized that while Nigeria acknowledges the longstanding support from the U.S. government, this challenge presents an opportunity for the country to take greater ownership of its HIV response efforts.
“We want to assure Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that there is no shortage of drugs or consumables, and no disruption in HIV treatment, testing, or prevention services. Our treatment centers and pharmacies remain fully stocked to ensure continued access to care,” she added.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Dr. Amobi Ogah, disclosed on Tuesday that the Federal Government has allocated N700 billion towards combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and immunization efforts.
He noted that this budgetary provision would help cushion the impact of the U.S. government’s funding withdrawal on Nigeria’s healthcare programs.
NACA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians, especially those living with HIV, continue to receive uninterrupted access to quality prevention, treatment, and care services.
