Expert warns Nigeria at risk as U.S. halts HIV/AIDS funding
(DDM) – Nigerian youth face increased risk of HIV/AIDS following the sudden suspension of U.S. funding for local HIV/AIDS programs, experts have warned.
Dr. Nandul Durfa, Managing Director of Reach Care Foundation, a leading HIV/AIDS care organization, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the federal government must urgently step in to fund services.
He said failure to do so could reverse decades of progress in curbing infections and put thousands of young Nigerians in jeopardy.
Durfa’s warning comes after the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, informed his organization that it would terminate all active contracts due to funding constraints.
In a letter signed by Dr. Patrick Dakum, CEO of the institute, the organization cited the immediate halt of U.S. foreign aid as the reason for ending its agreements with local NGOs.
“The termination shall take effect immediately,” the letter stated, NAN reported.
Many non-governmental organizations and private entities that rely on U.S. support for HIV/AIDS activities have reportedly shut down operations following the policy shift.
Previously, the Institute of Human Virology benefited from funds channeled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
NAN reports that the suspension follows a broader U.S. decision to freeze overseas aid, dismantle USAID, cut its workforce, and suspend nearly all aid programs abroad.
Dr. Durfa recalled the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria around 20 years ago, describing it as “deadly and claiming thousands of lives.”
He said, at the time, Nigeria had over 7,000 patients under care at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital alone.
The expert credited U.S. aid programs with helping Nigeria reduce infection rates dramatically over the past two decades.
“With the decision to stop funding, Nigeria risks a resurgence of HIV/AIDS if the federal government does not act immediately,” Durfa said.
He called for full government intervention to fill the funding gap, stressing that urgent measures are required to prevent a relapse to the epidemic’s worst days.
