The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has expressed its appreciation to the U.S. government for granting a waiver on lifesaving HIV medications and medical services, following President Donald Trump’s recent executive order suspending foreign aid spending for 90 days.
The executive order, issued last week, raised concerns among stakeholders in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response due to the country’s heavy dependence on external funding for treatment and care. The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) currently funds around 90% of Nigeria’s HIV treatment, making it the largest donor to the nation’s HIV response.
A statement from NACA, signed by its Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, stressed the importance of the waiver, which ensures the uninterrupted distribution of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and other essential medical services to individuals living with HIV in Nigeria.
While welcoming the exemption, Dr. Ilori highlighted the urgency for Nigeria to intensify efforts in mobilizing domestic resources to sustain the country’s HIV response and reduce reliance on foreign aid. “Nigeria must take proactive steps towards ownership and sustainability of its HIV response,” she said.
Dr. Ilori also called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to meet the global target of ending AIDS by 2030. She urged state governments, private sector partners, lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the media to remain dedicated to the national HIV response.
She also encouraged the patient community to continue seeking HIV treatment services at designated healthcare facilities across the country.
Dr. Ilori reiterated Nigeria’s gratitude for the U.S. government’s longstanding support and emphasized NACA’s commitment to strengthening local efforts and advocating for sustainable funding mechanisms to safeguard Nigeria’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“NACA remains committed to ensuring that people living with HIV receive the care and treatment they need while working toward sustainable solutions for the future,” she added.
