The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.
The decision follows the reversal of a funding pause by the US government, which had earlier halted financial assistance for HIV treatment in developing countries, including Nigeria.
The US government’s pause, initiated under an executive directive by President Donald Trump, was part of a broader review of foreign aid. The recent waiver reflects an emergency humanitarian intervention.
Nigeria has long relied on international aid, particularly from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), to sustain its HIV treatment initiatives. The newly approved budget will facilitate the procurement of 150,000 treatment packs over four months, ensuring uninterrupted care for those affected.
Nigeria’s Commitment to HIV Treatment
Speaking after the FEC meeting on Monday, Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the significance of the allocation in safeguarding lives.
“This allocation is critical for ensuring that those living with HIV continue to receive necessary treatments without interruption,” Pate said.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the FEC has also constituted a committee comprising representatives from the ministries of finance, budget, defence, environment, and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to develop a comprehensive sustainability plan.
“This is about ensuring that no Nigerian loses access to treatment during this period of adjustment,” the minister added.
Pate acknowledged the contributions of the US government to Nigeria’s HIV response over the past two decades but stressed Nigeria’s focus on transforming its health sector through national systems and domestic financing.
He also announced the council’s approval of the HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity) programme, a $1 billion initiative aimed at improving governance and strengthening primary healthcare systems nationwide.
“This programme is very much in line with the direction of this administration—to focus on investing in the human capital of Nigerians. People are at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Pate said.
The minister added that the funding, developed in collaboration with the International Development Association (IDA), allocates $500 million for governance improvements and another $500 million to enhance primary healthcare.
He noted that the governance component will incentivise states to recruit and train teachers and healthcare workers, while the healthcare portion will expand primary healthcare services, improve quality, and boost resilience.
