Trump Halts HIV Funding for Nigeria and Other Nations
The United States government has suspended funding for HIV treatment programs in Nigeria and other developing countries following an executive order by former President Donald Trump.
This decision has resulted in a 90-day halt in disbursements from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a key US initiative for combating HIV/AIDS in Africa and other regions. The suspension stems from an executive order signed on Trump’s first day in office, directing all agencies managing foreign aid to temporarily pause fund distribution.
PEPFAR, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, provides life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people globally and is credited with saving 26 million lives since its launch. The program is widely regarded as a cornerstone of global health efforts.
According to NPR, the funding suspension could last for at least three months unless PEPFAR is granted an exemption. Public health experts are raising concerns about the potential long-term impact, fearing that the program could face complete termination under the Trump administration.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce commented on the decision, stating that the US "is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people."
Nigeria, one of the countries most affected by HIV, is expected to be significantly impacted. With approximately two million Nigerians living with HIV, PEPFAR has played a vital role in providing life-saving medications and strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
Since its inception, PEPFAR has contributed over $6 billion to Nigeria’s national HIV/AIDS response, saving countless lives and helping to control the virus’s spread.
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