No HIV Funding For Nigeria And Other Developing Countries - Trump Orders

The US government has suspended its support for HIV treatment in Nigeria and other developing countries following an executive order by President Donald Trump.

The US State Department has frozen disbursement of funds from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a critical program providing HIV treatment in Africa and other developing nations. The suspension, set to last at least 90 days, stems from an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office, directing all government agencies involved in foreign development assistance to halt funding. Consequently, nearly all US global health funding, including PEPFAR, has been paused immediately.

PEPFAR, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has provided HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people globally, saving an estimated 26 million lives and significantly reducing the spread of the virus. However, the US State Department emphasized that funds would no longer be distributed “blindly” without tangible benefits for American citizens.

Public health experts have raised concerns about the future of PEPFAR, warning that the new administration may ultimately terminate the program. Others remain cautiously optimistic, noting that Marco Rubio’s appointment as Secretary of State could positively influence PEPFAR’s future, given his previous support for the initiative.

In Nigeria, where approximately two million people live with HIV, PEPFAR has been a cornerstone in providing life-saving medications and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. As one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, Nigeria has received over $6 billion in PEPFAR funding. The suspension—or potential termination—of the program could have devastating consequences for the nation’s efforts to combat HIV.