By Emmanuel Agaji
The National Laboratory for HIV/AIDS tests in Nigeria has been shut down as patients could not get tests checking viral load performed as they were politely asked to stop submitting samples for tests in a private hospital in Abuja.
This development is coming barely 24hours after President of the US, Donald Trump ordered that aids to countries with large population of AIDS/HIV should be stopped immediately. 
Naijablitznews exclusively reports that patients this morning (Thursday) had gone to one of the centres for the routine checks and submission of samples but were asked to stop as the national laboratory was shut down yesterday(Wednesday).
A source privy to this development told Naijablitznews that: ” We got here as early as 5.30am to form a queue but midway we were asked to stop as the national laboratory has been shut down.
He explained that: “The National Laboratory serves as a hub where blood samples are submitted to check your viral load.
“Initially it was for every three months but later it was shifted to every six months, then recently it became annually.
“The analysis from the National Laboratory helps doctors to understand your level of viral load and use it as a guide for your treatment.
Another source told Naijablitznews that ” with this development many Nigerians suffering from HIV/AIDS will gradually start dying as tests go a long way in helping to know your status and viral load.
Recall that the distribution of HIV drugs in foreign countries by the U.S. has been paused after President Donald Trump ordered a freeze on foreign aid.
The cuts by the Trump administration affect the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, established by former President George W. Bush. The global health program is credited to have saved more than 25 million lives around the world.
