By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
President Donald Trump has halted U.S. HIV treatment funding for Nigeria and other developing nations following an executive order he signed on his first day in office. The suspension affects the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provides critical support for HIV treatment worldwide.
PEPFAR, with a budget of $6.5 billion, has helped over 20 million people, including 2 million in Nigeria. Experts warn that this funding freeze could worsen the HIV crisis in countries like Nigeria, which rely heavily on this aid.
The U.S. government emphasized that foreign aid will no longer be disbursed without clear returns for the American people. While some hope that new leadership might reverse the decision, the future of PEPFAR remains uncertain.
