Nigeria to Reduce Reliance on Donor Aid for HIV

The Nigerian government has acknowledged the recent waiver from the United States regarding foreign aid and expressed its commitment to reducing dependence on external funding for its HIV response efforts. In a press release issued by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the government highlighted plans to intensify domestic resource mobilization to ensure sustainability and long-term ownership of the country’s HIV response.

The shift is driven by concerns over potential changes to U.S. foreign aid policy under the new administration. Nigeria aims to preemptively strengthen its capacity to manage HIV programs independently by prioritizing internal resource allocation and fostering stakeholder collaboration.

The government emphasized that effective partnerships with civil society, the private sector, state governments, and policymakers would be crucial in creating a favorable policy environment. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to meet Nigeria’s target of ending AIDS by 2030, aligning with global health commitments.

NACA’s appeal extends to various groups across the country. The agency urged state governors, lawmakers, civil organizations, and the media to sustain their support for HIV treatment services and awareness campaigns. Similarly, the patient community was encouraged to continue accessing services available at designated delivery points.

“We appreciate the United States Government and all international partners for their continued contributions to Nigeria’s national HIV response,” stated NACA’s Director-General. The agency reaffirmed that achieving Nigeria’s health targets requires cooperation from both local and global stakeholders.

This announcement reflects the Nigerian government’s proactive stance in the fight against HIV/AIDS and its determination to ensure that crucial health initiatives are not jeopardized by shifts in donor policy. As the country works to secure funding alternatives, the focus remains on safeguarding the health of millions of Nigerians living with HIV.