EXCLUSIVE: World AIDS’ Day; US Funding Withdrawal Threatens Nigeria’s HIV Response

Chairman of the HIV Prevention Technical Working Group in Ogun State, Mr. Tayo Akinpelu, has said that the withdrawal of US government funding, which supported 90% of HIV response efforts, is posing a serious challenge to the fight against the spread of the virus.

Mr. Akinpelu stated this during an interview with Daily Champion in Abeokuta on the 2025 world AIDS with the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Sustaining the Response.”

He noted that the withdrawal would have a negative impact on the treatment and testing services, affecting people living with HIV.

“In the last few months, we’ve had a lot of challenges in terms of funding for HIV AIDS. One of our major funders is the United States government, and in February, the president of the United States announced the withdrawal of their AIDS to Nigeria. So, it became an issue because that means that almost 90 percent of the funding that comes to support HIV response was withdrawn. And what does that mean? It means that all the people who are infected will find it difficult to know their status. It means that all the people who are on drugs will be affected. “

Mr. Akinpelu stated that Ogun State responded by strengthening Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programmes, ensuring pregnant women are tested and treated, adding over 99% success has been achieved in preventing mother-to-child transmission.

According to him, the state also focuses on viral suppression, with 86% of people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adhering to treatment, noting that 31,000 people are currently on ART across 43 treatment centers.

Mr. Akinpelu emphasized the importance of knowing one’s status, taking medication, and showing love to those living with HIV.

“HIV is not a disease. It’s a virus,” he said, adding that an HIV-free generation is possible with collective effort.