Dr Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), says the recent U.S. waiver on lifesaving medicines and medical services provides relief for global HIV treatment.
President Donald Trump previously issued an executive order halting foreign aid spending for 90 days.
Ilori, in a statement on Thursday, said the waiver would allow continuous distribution of HIV medications and medical services supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Nigeria.
She noted that the reassessment of U.S. foreign aid raised concerns among stakeholders regarding HIV/AIDS and TB technical support and funding.
Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in West and Central Africa.
“Over two decades, global AIDS response partners have supported Nigeria in scaling up HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support.
“The U.S. government, through PEPFAR, has significantly supported Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, particularly in sustaining treatment for people living with HIV.
“PEPFAR-Nigeria remains the largest donor for treatment, covering approximately 90 per cent of the burden,” she said.
She added that the waiver allows the continued distribution of HIV medications and medical services under PEPFAR in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government appreciates the U.S. waiver and remains mindful of potential foreign aid changes under the new administration.
“We will intensify domestic resource mobilisation to ensure ownership and sustainability of the HIV response.
“This will reduce risks from donor policy shifts while ensuring Nigeria achieves its strategic HIV response goals,” she said.
She added that through stakeholder collaboration, favourable policies, and advocacy, Nigeria can still achieve its goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
“We encourage patients to continue accessing HIV treatment services nationwide.
“We urge state governors, private sector partners, National and State Assembly members, CSOs, media, and other stakeholders to remain committed to fighting HIV/AIDS.
“We appreciate the U.S. Government and international partners for their ongoing support of Nigeria’s HIV response,” she added.
