The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has decided to halt the HIV funding and treatment programs that have been supporting Nigeria and other developing countries.
The U.S. State Department has officially stopped the funding provided to Nigeria and several other developing nations from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and this action will remain in effect for at least 90 days.
The only funding exceptions to this new policy are emergency humanitarian assistance and military financing for Israel and Egypt, which will continue to receive support under this framework.
Commenting on the suspension of the funding, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce explained, “The United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American [i]people.”
This significant decision has sent shock waves throughout the global health community, with many expressing concern over the consequences of halting vital AIDS relief efforts.
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was initially introduced by former President George W. Bush in 2003. Its primary goals were to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, save lives, and curb the global epidemic. Over the years, PEPFAR has made a significant impact, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion and its support reaching over 20.6 million people globally.
However, following President Trump’s executive order on foreign aid, which was issued on January 20th, 2025, the funding from PEPFAR for HIV/AIDS treatment has been halted, creating uncertainty about the future of these crucial global health programs.