Despite the recent suspension of funding from the United States, the Federal Government of Nigeria has reassured its citizens that access to lifesaving HIV treatment remains uninterrupted across the country. This assurance was conveyed by Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Program (NASCP), during a media briefing on Wednesday.
According to Dr. Bashorun, antiretroviral drugs are fully available at all designated treatment centers nationwide, ensuring that people living with HIV continue to receive the care they need without disruption. He emphasized that the government remains resolute in its commitment to achieving the ambitious target of eliminating HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by the year 2030—a goal outlined under the “Free to Shine” campaign.
In anticipation of potential challenges, Dr. Bashorun revealed that the government has already undertaken a comprehensive HIV product quantification exercise covering the period 2025 to 2029. This proactive step, he said, was designed to secure treatment supplies and ensure continuity of care, irrespective of fluctuations in foreign aid.
“We are not leaving anything to chance. The federal government is investing in local ownership and sustainability of the HIV response. Even with the pause in external support, we have mapped out a clear pathway for service delivery,” he stated.
Furthermore, the NASCP coordinator highlighted that Nigeria is leveraging data-driven strategies to bolster HIV treatment programs. These strategies include improving patient tracking systems, enhancing testing coverage, and expanding access to combination prevention methods—efforts geared towards not just treatment, but prevention and long-term eradication.
This development comes amid concerns that the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been a key donor to Nigeria’s HIV programs for over a decade, has paused its funding due to administrative reassessments. However, health authorities in Nigeria are taking decisive steps to ensure that this funding gap does not affect service delivery.
As part of broader reforms, Nigeria is also exploring partnerships with private sector stakeholders and local pharmaceutical manufacturers to strengthen drug supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign donations.
Experts have commended the government’s swift response, urging sustained investment in public health infrastructure and calling on international partners to maintain support for Nigeria's health initiatives.
For now, the message from the authorities is clear: no person living with HIV in Nigeria will be left behind due to funding disruptions.