FG approves N4.8bn for HIV treatment amid US aid suspension

In response to the recent suspension of aid from the United States, the Federal Government has approved N4.8 billion to fund HIV treatment programmes across the country. The approval was made by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during a meeting led by President Bola Tinubu.

Senator Adamu Garba, who represented Yobe South, welcomed the end of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), calling it good news for Africa. Garba criticised USAID, suggesting that it contributed to instability and violence on the continent.

At a press briefing following the FEC meeting, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, confirmed the N4.8 billion would be used to purchase 150,000 HIV treatment packs to serve patients over the next four months. This funding is part of the government’s commitment to maintaining health programmes, even as international support changes.

“The Presidential Treatment Programme for HIV Patients has been approved, with N4.8 billion allocated for procuring 150,000 treatment packs over four months,” Pate said. He highlighted that despite the suspension of US aid, the Nigerian government was determined to ensure continuous access to life-saving treatments for its citizens.

Pate acknowledged the significant role the US had played in supporting Nigeria’s healthcare sector, particularly in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. However, he reassured that Nigeria was preparing to rely more on domestic resources to strengthen its health system.

Additionally, the FEC has set up a committee to create a transition and sustainability plan for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, ensuring the country can adjust to changes in international support while reinforcing its healthcare system.