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

Ogun unveils new strategy to fight HIV/AIDS

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

HIV/AIDS

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Ogun State Government has unveiled a new strategic plan aimed at achieving zero infection and ensuring sustained treatment and care for people living with HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made this known at the opening of a three-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting towards developing the State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Coker, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Tayo Lawal, affirmed that the new development would play a significant role in the lives of the people living with HIV.

The Commissioner stated that, “it’s no longer news that donors are drastically withdrawing their support, unlike during the World Bank era when support was at its peak. We’re all witnesses to the current state of HIV response in the country.

“However, the fight against the disease cannot be won by the government alone; a multisectoral response to HIV must be fully activated. Every stakeholder must come together to fight this epidemic.”

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, emphasised the need to develop a technical work plan that would guide the state’s efforts over the next two years, utilising available resources effectively, despite the existence of a National Strategic Plan.

Representatives from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, APIN Public Health Initiative, and Civil Society on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, showed commitment towards supporting the planning and implementation of the strategic plan.

Health

12,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually – Minister

Published

5 days ago

April 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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About 12,000 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, despite the disease being largely preventable, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mohammed Ali Pate, has disclosed.

The Minister made the disclosure during the launch of the cervical cancer vaccine campaign and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine integration sensitisation exercise held at Government Girls College, Bauchi.

According to him, “There is the need for greater awareness among stakeholders as part of efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.”

With the HPV vaccine, Pate stated that the disease can be prevented if vaccination is administered early to individuals who are susceptible to the virus and at risk of eventually developing cervical cancer.

He assured the commitment of the President to the cause and recalled the official flag-off of the HPV vaccination campaign in October 2023.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Dr Usman Malami, in his remarks, explained that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers with a known cause.

He added that it makes it one of the most preventable forms of cancer, stressing that since they already know what causes it and what can provide lifelong immunity, vaccination becomes a critical tool.

Health

Katsina targets three million children for polio immunisation — Official

Published

1 week ago

April 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Polio-Victims

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The Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCA) says it is targeting not less than three million children during the polio immunisation campaign scheduled for 26 -29 April.

Its Executive Secretary, Shamsudeen Yahaya, made the disclosure on Tuesday at a media dialogue with UNICEF, Katsina State Government officials and partners on polio and routine immunisation in the state.

Mr Yahaya said the exercise was aimed at creating awareness of the importance of immunisation in saving children from preventable deaths.

He, therefore, urged the media to continue to enlighten caregivers and other stakeholders on the importance of immunisation.

He revealed that the state has 1,636 health facilities providing routine immunisation services for children.

Mr Yahaya said the government would engage 3,700 independent monitors to ensure that each eligible child is reached during the campaign.

In his remarks, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC), also the Nutrition Manager of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Karanveer Singh, stressed the need to immunise every child against polio and other deadly diseases.

Mr Singh revealed that polio is highly infectious, warning, “Once a child is infected with the virus, he or she is permanently paralysed.”

The officer explained that every round of immunisation is important, as is immunising every child until the virus is completely eradicated.

He added that immunisation is the backbone of any eradication programme, hence the need for caregivers and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in ensuring that all children below five years are fully immunised.