LunagisthubUS Aid Suspension Threatens HIV/AIDS Gains in Nigeria
The suspension of United States foreign aid for HIV/AIDS programs in Nigeria has raised concerns about the potential reversal of years of progress in combating the disease. Dr. Nandul Durfa, Managing Director of Reach Care Foundation, has warned that the Federal Government must “fully fund” HIV/AIDS services to prevent a relapse to the gory days of the disease .
The US policy on foreign aid has led to the termination of funding agreements, which has thrown caregivers into confusion. The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, has informed its partner organizations of the termination of funding support, citing “prevailing funding constraints”. This has resulted in many Non-Governmental Organizations and corporate outfits engaged in HIV/AIDS activities shutting down .
Dr. Durfa emphasized that the young population will be the most vulnerable group to be hit by the resurgence of the disease. He noted that young boys under 20 years old have never experienced the HIV/AIDS scourge and may not take measures to minimize the epidemic. If the funding is not restored, the existing virus may develop resistance, and a lot of ground would have been lost in the fight against the disease .
The Federal Government must take urgent action to fill the funding gap and prevent a resurgence of the disease. Dr. Durfa’s warning is a wake-up call for the government to prioritize HIV/AIDS funding and ensure that the progress made so far is not reversed .
Lunagisthub
