Health

Trump halts HIV funding for Nigeria and other developing countries

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2025

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The US government has halted its support for HIV treatment in Nigeria and other developing countries following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.

The US State Department ceased disbursement of funds from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a key program providing HIV treatment in Africa and other developing nations. The funding freeze will last at least 90 days.

The action stems from an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office, which directed all government agencies overseeing foreign development assistance programs to suspend funding. As a result, nearly all US global health funding, including PEPFAR, has been halted immediately.

PEPFAR, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has delivered HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people globally. Since its inception, it is credited with saving an estimated 26 million lives and helping curb the spread of the virus. However, in response to the halt, the US State Department stated that it would no longer distribute funds “blindly” without returns for the American people.

Public health experts have expressed concern that the new administration may eventually terminate the program altogether. Some have held out hope that Marco Rubio’s appointment as Secretary of State could provide a positive turn for PEPFAR, given his historical support for the initiative.

In Nigeria, where about two million people live with HIV, PEPFAR plays a critical role in providing access to life-saving medications and supporting healthcare infrastructure. Nigeria, one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, has received over $6 billion in support from PEPFAR over the years. The suspension or permanent cessation of the program could significantly impact efforts to combat HIV in the country.

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Health

We must stop contaminating our rivers and streams in the name of ‘odinani’ (tradition)—- Gov Chukwuma Soludo ‎

Published

2 days ago

April 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎In a recent address to All Progressives Grand Alliance supporters in Awka, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo raised concerns about pollution of local streams and rivers by native doctors during rituals. He stated, “We must stop contaminating our rivers and streams in the name of ‘odinani’ (tradition). Many depend on that water for drinking and cooking.”
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‎According to Daily Trust, Governor Soludo urged practitioners to be responsible, saying, “If you must perform rituals, use a container—like a bucket—and carry out your practices there. Do not pollute our public water sources.” He emphasized that polluted water can lead to serious health issues, declaring that “we do not want that for our communities.”
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‎He addressed the backlash from a crackdown on native doctors suspected of criminal behavior: “I am not targeting legitimate traditional worshipers but those who defraud and deceive people.” His aim is to eliminate fraudulent actors while respecting cultural practices.
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‎He highlighted the need for balance: “We can embrace our traditions while ensuring the safety and health of our communities.”
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Health

NAFDAC Begins Gradual Reopening of Shops at Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced the gradual reopening of shops at the Ogbo-Ogwu drug market in Onitsha.

This development follows the agency’s closure of the market on February 10, 2025, due to concerns over the sale and distribution of counterfeit, unregistered, and substandard drugs.

The unsealing exercise is being led by a Deputy Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Tunji Omoyemi.

According to NAFDAC, traders whose shops meet the required safety and documentation standards are being cleared to resume business operations.

Addressing the traders, the market chairman, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, urged full cooperation with the agency to facilitate the swift resumption of commercial activities.

Credit: Anambra Broadcasting Service

Health

“We don’t train you and after spending all that money you leave our healthcare facilities” Gov Mbah begs nurses not to Japa

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Governor Peter Mbah

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Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has appealed to nursing students in the state not to leave the state after graduation to curb brain drain in the state’s health sector.
The governor made the appeal during the 2024/ 2025 Maiden Matriculation Ceremony of the Nursing College, Enugu on Thursday, April 10.
He urged the students to consider the huge resources the state was committing in training nursing and midwifery students in the state and give back to the state after graduation.
Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said “japa syndrome” was completely against the policy of the state, who had been spending reasonable amount in training them.

“We don’t train you and after spending all that money in infrastructure and the first opportunity you get you leave our healthcare facilities.

“One thing we are very particular is how we improve the service conditions so that when you go through the effort of getting your certificate, you don’t leave our state.

“That is why we are training beyond just academics so that you see that this is service and if any of you can go back to our budget in 2024 and 2025, the highest investment is in education and health,” Mbah said.