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Trump’s administration stops foreign aids on HIV to Nigeria, other countries as experts react
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Donald Trump administration has halted funding for HIV/AIDS programs in Nigeria and other developing countries, a move that has drawn widespread criticism from global health experts and activists.
This decision comes despite ongoing efforts to combat the disease in regions that heavily rely on international aid to sustain healthcare initiatives.
The decision affects the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been a critical source of funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in Nigeria and other low-income nations.
Over the years, PEPFAR has supported millions of individuals with life-saving antiretroviral treatments, helping to curb the spread of the virus in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Health experts fear this funding freeze could lead to devastating setbacks in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Amina Ahmed, a Nigerian health policy expert, warned of severe consequences for patients who depend on subsidized medication.
“This decision will leave many Nigerians living with HIV without access to treatment. It threatens to reverse years of progress made in reducing HIV-related deaths and new infections,” Dr. Ahmed said.
The suspension could also disrupt prevention programs, including mother-to-child transmission initiatives, which have been pivotal in reducing the number of newborns born with the virus.
Critics argue that the decision reflects a lack of empathy for struggling nations. Dr. Michael Jones, a U.S.-based global health advocate, described the move as a “callous disregard for human lives.”
The Trump administration has defended the decision, citing budgetary constraints and a shift in focus toward domestic healthcare priorities.
However, advocates argue that cutting off aid to developing countries will have broader implications for global health security.
Nigeria, which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, could face dire consequences.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) estimates that over 1.9 million Nigerians are living with HIV.
Many of these individuals depend on PEPFAR-supported programs for their treatment and care.
The announcement has sparked calls for urgent action. Local NGOs and international organizations have begun lobbying for alternative funding sources to bridge the gap left by the U.S. withdrawal.
Advocacy groups are also urging the Nigerian government to increase its healthcare budget to reduce reliance on foreign aid.
The decision has drawn parallels to the global reaction following similar cuts during the early years of the AIDS epidemic.
Analysts warn that reducing funding for HIV/AIDS programs could lead to a resurgence of the disease, undermining decades of progress in public health.
As the global community reacts to this development, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to ensure that affected individuals continue receiving the care they need.
The Nigerian government and international stakeholders now face the challenge of mitigating the impact of this funding gap while maintaining momentum in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa, rtd, has said President Bola Tinubu will soon announce salary increment for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In a statement by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister said the move is part of the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to improving troop welfare and rewarding their sacrifices to the nation.
He recalled previous welfare benchmarks, noting that military pay was successfully raised from N49,000 to N100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff.
General Musa stressed that active steps are currently underway to secure an even better package for the troops.
“I want to state here that a few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving N100,000. When I was Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers were receiving N49,000.
About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to N100,000, and that was achieved. We are, however, making further efforts to increase it again,” Musa stated.
News
After 12years abandonment: Tinubu begins work on Nnamdi Azikiwe road linking GEJ road in FCT(Video)
This Road with two Interchange (Bridge) linking Nnamdi Azikiwe Road (to Area 1 and Apo), Goodluck Jonathan Road (to Galadimawa) was awarded in December 2014.
12 years after, the government of President Tinubu has commenced work on the road project and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was at the site today to see things for himself.
The Federal Government has demanded urgent action from South Africa to end recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals, disclosing that 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob and hate-related incidents in the country since 2022.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the demand in Abuja on Monday while receiving South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
Lamola was sent to Nigeria as a special envoy by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing diplomatic tension over repeated attacks on foreign nationals.
The envoy delivered a message from Ramaphosa to President Bola Tinubu before holding talks with senior Nigerian officials led by Enikanolaiye.Executive Branch
Enikanolaiye said Tinubu directed the meeting to allow both countries to frankly discuss what he described as persistent “Afrophobic attacks” against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
“We have seen a pattern that has become a concern to the Nigerian government,” he said.
The minister cited outbreaks of anti-migrant violence dating back to 1995 and said official records showed that 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob attacks and hate-related violence in South Africa since 2022.
He warned that the continued attacks could damage the long-standing strategic relationship between Africa’s two largest economies.
Enikanolaiye urged Pretoria to take immediate and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals legally residing in the country.Politics
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government had evacuated more than 1,500 Nigerians from South Africa following previous attacks.
He described receiving some of the evacuees as an emotional experience, noting that many returned home without their possessions.
“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he said.
Enikanolaiye said several victims were lawful residents and raised concerns over the alleged failure of South African security personnel to intervene during some attacks.
He argued that such incidents raised questions about state responsibility and the safety of foreigners living in South Africa.
The minister stressed that Nigeria would not defend citizens involved in drug trafficking or other criminal activities.
He, however, insisted that suspects must be arrested and prosecuted through the legal system rather than subjected to mob violence.
“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” Enikanolaiye said.
He maintained that criminal allegations should not be used to justify attacks on Nigerians and other migrants.
Enikanolaiye reminded the South African delegation of Nigeria’s role in the struggle against apartheid and the subsequent cooperation between both countries.
He recalled their collaboration in transforming the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union and promoting the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
Despite the current tension, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa.
He expressed hope that continued dialogue would rebuild confidence, strengthen bilateral relations and protect the principle of African solidarity.
Responding, Lamola said his visit was aimed at reaffirming the historic friendship between Nigeria and South Africa while addressing concerns over violence against foreign nationals.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution to the struggle against apartheid, saying South Africans remained grateful for the sacrifices made.
“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.
He added that Ramaphosa and the South African government remained opposed to xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and other forms of intolerance.
The envoy, however, maintained that South Africa had a sovereign responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and combat irregular migration and criminal activities.
He identified drug trafficking, internet fraud and other offences as challenges the government was determined to address.
Lamola described migration as a continental challenge requiring cooperation among African countries under the African Union’s framework on orderly and regular migration.
“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.
He added that further details of Ramaphosa’s message to Tinubu would be discussed during a closed-door session.
Further plans underway to increase salaries of military personnel -Defence Minister, Musa
After 12years abandonment: Tinubu begins work on Nnamdi Azikiwe road linking GEJ road in FCT(Video)
Xenophobic Attacks: Details of What Nigeria, South Africa Discussed
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