Doctor Raises Concern Over US’ Suspension Of HIV, Malaria Funding To Nigeria
A prominent Nigerian medical professional, Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor on social media, has expressed concerns about the implications of the US’ pause in funding for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programs in Nigeria.
According to him, suspension of funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) may lead to a significant increase in HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria infections in the country.
In a post on Tuesday via X, Dr. Egemba emphasized that Nigeria cannot continue to rely on donations for its healthcare needs, stressing that the country must take charge of its health system.
“Now is the time to take our health system seriously. The second-best time was yesterday. Nigeria cannot continue to depend on donations for its own healthcare,” Egemba stated.
He noted that the lack of antiretroviral drugs, which are largely donated due to their high cost, would have severe consequences for people living with HIV in Nigeria. “If you don’t treat HIV, almost everyone affected will develop AIDS,” he explained.
The doctor warned that the funding cut would not only affect HIV treatment but also impact the fight against tuberculosis and malaria, further straining Nigeria’s already burdened healthcare system.
He urged authorities to take immediate action to address the situation, emphasizing that the country’s healthcare system is at a critical juncture.
READ ALSO
- Trump Halts HIV Funding For Nigeria, Others, Gives Reasons
- Nigerian Man Becomes Fourth Person To Get Cured Of HIV Worldwide
“If Nigeria doesn’t rise to the occasion and take charge, infections will rise—currently close to 200,000 new infections every year. People will die from AIDS because drugs are not available.
“Our already burdened healthcare system will be burdened further which might be make or break.
“These are just a snippet of the ripple effect. Let’s not forget that diseases like tuberculosis and malaria are being affected also by the pause of funding,” he warned.
It’s worth noting that Nigeria has received significant funding from international organizations, including the Global Fund, to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
In 2024, the country launched new grants worth $993 million to support the fight against these diseases.¹ However, the pause in US funding has raised concerns about the sustainability of these programs.
https://idikalimantanselatan.org/
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
