Posted on: Thu 20-03-2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns that Nigeria, along with seven other countries, may soon experience shortages of antiretroviral (ARV) medications due to a suspension of U.S. foreign aid. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that disruptions in HIV programs could reverse two decades of progress, potentially resulting in over 10 million new HIV cases and three million related deaths.

The affected countries include Nigeria, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ukraine. In response, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) reassured Nigerians that there is no immediate shortage of ARVs. NACA's Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, highlighted recent government commitments, such as the approval of $1.07 billion for healthcare reforms under the HOPE program and N4.8 billion for HIV treatment. Additionally, the Nigerian Senate allocated N300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget, aiming to mitigate the impact of reduced U.S. aid.

While the U.S. initially froze foreign aid in January, a temporary waiver was issued for HIV-related assistance, allowing continued support through programs like PEPFAR. However, the situation remains precarious, and NACA emphasizes the need for sustainable domestic funding and resource mobilization to ensure uninterrupted HIV treatment and services.

Although immediate shortages of HIV medications have not occurred, ongoing efforts to secure alternative funding and strengthen local healthcare infrastructure are crucial to maintaining progress in HIV treatment and prevention.

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