Nigeria and Eight Others Face Potential HIV Drug Shortages Warns WHO
The World Health Organization has cautioned that the U.S. move to stop international funding has interrupted the distribution of HIV medications in countries such as Nigeria, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ukraine.
During a press conference on Monday, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, pointed out that cutting off foreign assistance might endanger the lives of millions of people.
"The interruptions to HIV programs could reverse 20 years of advancements," he stated.
He cautioned that this obstacle might result in more than 10 million additional HIV infections and three million HIV-associated fatalities. He also noted that initiatives addressing HIV, polio, malaria, and tuberculosis have been disrupted due to the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance initiated by President Donald Trump soon after he took office in January.
A few days following Trump’s order to stop foreign aid, the federal government disclosed plans to enhance its national approach towards combating HIV.
On February 3rd, the Federal Executive Council sanctioned $1.07 billion to fund healthcare sector improvements as part of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity program.
The FEC likewise sanctioned ₦4.8 billion for HIV treatment, as stated by the Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the Economy, Wale Edun.
In an effort to tackle the funding shortfall, the Nigerian Senate has recently included an extra allocation of N300 billion for the healthcare sector within the 2025 budget.
The extra funding, amounting to $200 million, will be directed towards health initiatives including tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, and polio programs.
At the same time, the head of the WHO highlighted the effect on TB programs, noting that 27 countries across Africa and Asia experienced considerable interruptions.
He mentioned that these issues encompass a lack of healthcare professionals, insufficient diagnostic equipment, and failing information systems.
He pointed out that nine nations have already experienced issues with obtaining and managing supplies of tuberculosis medications, which could endanger the lives of those impacted.
"During the last twenty years, U.S. assistance for tuberculosis services has helped save approximately 80 million lives, however, this advancement is currently under threat," he stated.
He mentioned that their synchronized Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, which comprises more than 700 locations globally, is also at risk of being shut down soon.
Ghebreyesus emphasized that the US bears "a responsibility to make sure that if it pulls back direct funding for countries, this should be carried out in an organized and compassionate manner, allowing these nations to seek alternate means of financial support."
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