U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order has halted foreign aid, including critical funding for HIV treatment programs in Nigeria and other developing nations.
This decision has created uncertainty about the future of life-saving HIV/AIDS interventions, particularly in Africa, where millions rely on the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Since its launch in 2003, PEPFAR has played a crucial role in combating HIV/AIDS, providing antiretroviral treatment to nearly 21 million people across 55 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative also supports pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for about 2.5 million individuals and facilitates widespread HIV testing.
The funding cut has raised serious concerns among health experts, who warn that disruptions in treatment services could lead to increased mortality rates and a resurgence of HIV infections.
Continuous medication is essential to managing the virus, and any interruption could have devastating consequences.
Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, an infectious disease specialist, described the decision as “catastrophic,” stressing that donor support is vital for maintaining HIV treatment programs.
She cautioned that without immediate intervention, years of progress in reducing HIV-related deaths and new infections could be undone.
The impact of this policy will be deeply felt in various African nations. Malawi, which heavily depends on PEPFAR, was allocated $180 million for 2024 and expected to receive $178 million in 2025.
With the funding now suspended, thousands of people may be left without life-saving medication.
Nigeria, home to over 1.8 million people living with HIV, is also at risk of severe setbacks in its HIV/AIDS response. Many patients rely on U.S.-funded programs for treatment, and without continued support, healthcare facilities could struggle to provide essential services, leading to higher transmission rates and more HIV-related deaths.
Global health advocates and humanitarian organizations have urged the Trump administration to reconsider its decision, emphasizing that sustained HIV/AIDS funding is crucial for saving lives and preventing new outbreaks.
They argue that cutting foreign aid for such programs not only puts millions at risk but also poses a broader global health threat.
As pressure mounts on the U.S. government, affected countries are now seeking alternative funding sources to prevent a major public health crisis.
