The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a N4.8 billion fund for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs.
The move is aimed at ensuring continuous care for those living with the virus amid Donald Trump’s executive order
This decision, announced after the FEC meeting on Monday, Feb. 3, is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic funding for HIV treatment after Trump announced a temporary suspension of funding to a donor organisation that provides AIDS Relief in Nigeria.
Trump’s executive order led to concerns over the potential impact of recent US policy shifts on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been a major source of HIV funding in Nigeria.
Speaking on the approval, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, emphasised the importance of sustaining HIV treatment efforts, particularly as international aid dynamics shift.
Mr Pate noted that while global partners have played a crucial role in providing treatment support, the federal government is now taking deliberate steps to invest in life-saving interventions for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria.
“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.
Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS has been significantly aided by international donors, particularly PEPFAR, which has provided billions of dollars in funding over the past two decades.
PEPFAR, which provides HIV treatment to over 20.6 million people worldwide, faced a temporary funding suspension due to President Donald Trump’s executive order on foreign aid.
The order halted many overseas assistance programmes, putting millions at risk.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently granted an “emergency humanitarian waiver,” allowing PEPFAR to resume operations in 55 countries, including Nigeria.
In response to these uncertainties, Mr Pate reassured stakeholders that the Nigerian government is proactively developing a transition and sustainability plan to address potential funding shortfalls.
