Sunday, February 9, 2025

FG Approves ₦4.8bn for HIV Treatment, Protect Nigerians from Trump-Era Healthcare Cuts

The Nigerian government has approved ₦4.8 billion to ensure uninterrupted HIV treatment as US foreign aid policies shift under President Donald Trump.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), led by President Bola Tinubu, met on Monday to assess the impact of the US administration’s policies on critical health programmes, including HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria interventions. The decision comes as uncertainty looms over the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a programme that has funded HIV treatment for millions worldwide, including Nigeria.

The new funding is part of the Presidential Treatment Programme, designed to ensure that People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria continue receiving care despite potential disruptions in foreign support.

“This administration is committed to ensuring that those receiving treatment do not experience interruptions,” said Health Minister Muhammad Pate after the meeting. “We appreciate the US government’s contributions over the years and remain committed to a constructive partnership while strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system with domestic resources.”

Trump’s Policy Shifts and Nigeria’s Response

In recent months, President Trump’s executive order on foreign aid has led to the suspension of PEPFAR’s funding, creating uncertainty for HIV treatment programmes in low-income countries. Although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later granted an emergency waiver to continue funding HIV medication, the Nigerian government is taking proactive steps to ensure treatment sustainability.

To address the crisis, FEC has set up a multi-ministerial committee comprising representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Health, Defence, and Environment, along with the Governors’ Forum. The committee will develop a transition and sustainability plan to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign aid for health interventions.

“This is an important signal that the federal government is committed to ensuring that life-saving treatments remain accessible, despite the changing dynamics in external support,” Mr Pate said.

READ MORE: Congo Crisis: Food and Water Shortages Threaten Thousands as Violence Escalates

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has also pledged to intensify domestic resource mobilisation efforts to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response.

Beyond HIV treatment, Nigeria is making broader investments in its healthcare system. The FEC recently approved the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme, a $1 billion initiative backed by the World Bank.

The HOPE programme aims to strengthen governance and primary healthcare services across the country. It will focus on improving financial and human resource management in the health and education sectors at the state level.

Additionally, the initiative will support the expansion of primary healthcare services, including emergency maternal and child health interventions, to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Nigeria remains one of the largest beneficiaries of PEPFAR funding, but recent global policy shifts have highlighted the need for self-sufficiency in healthcare financing. As international aid becomes less predictable, the government’s new funding and strategic plans signal a move toward long-term sustainability.

For the millions relying on HIV treatment and other critical health services, the Nigerian government’s swift action offers a lifeline in uncertain times.

Hot this week

Uganda Detains 9 Finance Officials Over $16.87M Central Bank Heist

Uganda's fight against corruption intensified as police detained nine...

Governor Soludo turning Ekwulobia into a Cosmopolitan City through Urban Regeneration Initiative

Ekwulobia, a vibrant town in Anambra State, is on...

NDPC’s 127% Job Growth Signals Nigeria’s Digital Economy Potential …employed 23,000 in 2024

Nigeria’s data protection sector is proving to be a...

Tinubu’s Authority Challenged as GAC Backs Obasa’s Removal in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing dominance over Lagos politics is...

LAMATA Begins Stakeholder Talks on 57km Purple Line to Ogun and Lagos, Reduce Traffic Congestion

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has begun...

Proposed 31 New States Could Add Strain to Nigeria’s Fragile Economy – Mike Ozekhome

The Nigerian House of Representatives' proposal to create 31...

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding Father, Dies at 95

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding Father, Dies at 95 Namibia is...

Tinubu’s Authority Challenged as GAC Backs Obasa’s Removal in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing dominance over Lagos politics is...

Trump Freezes Aid to South Africa Over Land Seizure Law

In a dramatic policy shift, President Donald Trump has...

Energy Independence: How Dangote Group Generates 1,540 MW for Its Operations

The Dangote Group, led by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote,...

Aging Infrastructure Drives NPA’s 15% Hike in Port Charges

Nigeria’s maritime industry is set for a shift as...

We Will Not Be Bullied’: Ramaphosa Responds to U.S. Criticism on Land Reform

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that his...

Related Articles

Popular Categories