Nigeria Stands Firm: Free HIV Treatment Continues Despite U.S. Funding Cuts

By Achimi Muktar

Despite financial setbacks and reduced U.S. support, Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free HIV treatment, ensuring that those in need continue to receive life-saving care.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has assured Nigerians that the country’s HIV treatment program remains fully funded, even as global partnerships face uncertainties. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, made this announcement in Asaba, Delta State, while inaugurating the Paediatric Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Accelerated Committee (PPAC).

The newly formed committee aims to combat mother-to-child HIV transmission, a pressing challenge given Nigeria’s status as the country with the highest number of children born with HIV. According to Ms. Ilori, Delta State alone has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.9%, higher than the national average of 1.4%.

Nigeria’s Determination Amid Funding Cuts

The announcement comes at a crucial time as the U.S. government, a key supporter of HIV programs in Nigeria, recently suspended funding, only to temporarily reinstate it. Under former President Donald Trump, cuts to global health initiatives further strained efforts to combat HIV in Nigeria. However, Ms. Ilori emphasized that the fight against HIV does not rest solely on U.S. aid.

“Nigeria has multiple international partners supporting its HIV response, especially in preventing mother-to-child transmission,” she stated.

President Bola Tinubu has allocated N300 billion to the health sector, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to eradicating HIV despite financial constraints. Ms. Ilori reassured Nigerians that HIV testing and treatment remain completely free at all healthcare facilities, including primary health centers, secondary hospitals, and teaching hospitals.

A Renewed Focus on Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission

One of Nigeria’s biggest challenges in the fight against HIV is preventing its spread from mother to child. Ms. Ilori stressed the importance of antenatal care and early testing, urging pregnant women to get tested for HIV during hospital visits.

“If a pregnant woman tests positive, she will be placed on antiretroviral treatment to significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to her baby,” she said.

The newly inaugurated Delta State committee mirrors a national-level initiative and is expected to drive local interventions by working closely with stakeholders, including faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and global health agencies.

Delta State Rallies Behind HIV-Free Generation

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, represented by Permanent Secretary Philomena Okeowo, hailed the initiative as a critical step toward eliminating pediatric HIV.

Hobson Rudolf, Executive Secretary of the Delta State Agency for Control of AIDS (DELSACA), confirmed that HIV drugs are available and free at all state health facilities. He also revealed that an estimated 62,000 people in Delta State are currently living with HIV.

However, despite these efforts, Nigeria still falls short of global targets for eliminating pediatric HIV. A 2023 UNAIDS report revealed alarming statistics:

140,000 children (ages 0-14) are living with HIV in Nigeria.

22,000 new child infections occur annually.

15,000 children die from AIDS-related complications each year.

PMTCT coverage remains below 33%, far from the 95% global target.

The Road Ahead: Can Nigeria End AIDS in Children?

The Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children, launched in 2021, has yet to achieve full-scale coverage in Nigeria. However, the formation of the Paediatric HIV Acceleration Committee marks a renewed push to close the treatment gap and protect future generations.

“The fight against HIV is a collective effort,” Ms. Ilori concluded. “Together, we can change the narrative and secure a future where no child is born with HIV.”

As Nigeria presses forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained government commitment, increased domestic funding, and stronger community engagement.