The Federal Executive Council (FEC) after a meeting on Monday has approved a N4.8 billion fund to procure HIV treatment packs worth of 150,000 as measures in ensuring continuous care for those living with the virus.
This action comes as a result of the impact of the recent US policy shifts on the President’s Emergency plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a major source of HIV funding in Nigeria.
The coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate, while speaking on the approval emphasized the need to sustain the HIV treatments efforts in Nigeria, particularly, as international aid dynamic shift.
He acknowledged the crucial role global partners have played in providing treatment support, with a note that the federal government is now taking deliberate steps to invest in life-saving interventions for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria.
In his words, “This is an important signal that the federal government is committed to ensuring that life-saving treatments remain accessible, despite the changing dynamics in external support”.
Concerns in funding arises as some donors such as PEPFAR faced a temporary funding suspension due to President Donald Trump’s executive order on foreign aid, a decision which has halted many overseas assistance programmes, putting millions at risk.
However, The US secretary of State, Marco Rubio recently granted an “emergency humanitarian waiver” allowing PEPFAR to resume operations in 55 countries including Nigeria.
Mr Pate, while responding to these uncertainties has reassured stakeholders that the Nigerian government is proactively developing a transition and sustainability plan to address the funding failures.
He also revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) examined the potential impact of US policy shifts on healthcare initiatives, specifically those targeting HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
In his words, “In light of the US government’s ongoing 90-day review of its development assistance policies, we have set up a committee comprising the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Environment, and the Governors’ Forum to develop a transition and sustainability plan,”
“This is to ensure that Nigerians receiving treatment do not face disruptions.”
Pate further acknowledged the substantial support the US has provided over the past 20 years, but emphasized Nigeria’s goal to decrease its dependence on foreign aid and move towards self-sufficiency.
“While we greatly appreciate the contributions of the US government over the last 20 years and look forward to continued collaboration, Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu is focused on transforming the health sector through national systems and domestic financing”.
He said it aims at ensuring no patient currently receiving treatment is left uncared for.
