The Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the Nigerian government on Tuesday approved N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.
The approval follows a recent emergency humanitarian waiver granted by the United States government, reversing a previous funding pause on HIV treatment in developing countries, including Nigeria.
The funding pause had been implemented under an executive directive by former U.S. President Donald Trump as part of a broader review of foreign aid.
According to the report; Nigeria has long depended on international assistance for its HIV programmes, particularly through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
It added that the newly approved budget would facilitate the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months, aiming to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medication.
Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who spoke after the FEC meeting said the government’s commitment to sustaining HIV treatment efforts.
“This allocation is critical for ensuring that those living with HIV continue to receive necessary treatments without interruption,” Pate said.
To further strengthen the sustainability of Nigeria’s health interventions, the FEC has also established a committee comprising representatives from the ministries of finance, budget, defence, and environment, as well as the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
The committee is tasked with developing a long-term strategy for funding HIV programmes domestically.
“This is about ensuring that no Nigerian loses access to treatment during this period of adjustment,” Pate added.
