Health
Tinubu Govt Responds To Trump’s Gesture On AIDS Funding
By Gideon Ayeni

The Bola Tinubu government has announced plans to strengthen domestic funding for its HIV response, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign aid amid concerns about potential shifts in U.S. support for HIV treatment in Nigeria.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) stated that the country is committed to sustaining progress in the fight against HIV by mobilizing local resources, collaborating with stakeholders, and pushing for policies that ensure sustainable funding. The government reaffirmed its goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
This move comes in response to an executive order by the U.S. administration that paused foreign aid for 90 days, affecting global HIV and tuberculosis (TB) programs. However, a waiver issued on January 28, 2025, has allowed the continued distribution of lifesaving HIV medications and medical services in Nigeria.
NACA welcomed the waiver but emphasized the need for Nigeria to prepare for potential funding disruptions in the future. The agency urged state governments, private sector partners, lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the media to support efforts in ensuring uninterrupted HIV treatment and prevention programs.
Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in the West and Central African region, with the U.S. playing a crucial role in the country’s HIV response. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) currently covers approximately 90% of Nigeria’s HIV treatment program.
In its official statement, NACA acknowledged the significant contributions of international partners, particularly the U.S. government, in supporting HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care. However, the agency stressed the need for Nigeria to take ownership of its HIV response through domestic resource mobilization and strategic planning to mitigate the risks of donor aid policy shifts.
“We encourage the patient community to continue accessing HIV treatment services across the country,” the statement read, while also calling on all relevant stakeholders, including state governors and members of the National Assembly, to remain committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government expressed appreciation for the continued support of international partners and reaffirmed its commitment to achieving its strategic goals in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us
And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG