The U.S. government, under Donald Trump’s administration, has decided to freeze funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This program, launched in 2003 by former President George W. Bush, has saved millions of lives globally by providing HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. The funding pause is part of a broader review of U.S. foreign aid, sparking concerns, especially in African nations that heavily depend on PEPFAR.
In Nigeria, the decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a wake-up call for African governments to invest in their healthcare systems instead of relying on foreign aid. Many Nigerians express frustration over leaders living in luxury while crucial programs like HIV treatment depend on external funding.
On the other hand, many fear the severe consequences of losing PEPFAR’s support. Without it, thousands of Nigerians living with HIV could lose access to life-saving medication, increasing transmission rates and triggering a public health crisis.
Here’s how Nigerians are reacting to the freeze:
The announced pause to US Foreign Assistance will unfortunately impair the ability of many african countries to meet health and other targets and undermine the realization of SDGs. We hope President Trump’s administration will provide new pathways for cushioning most vulnerable…
— Korir Sing’Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) January 28, 2025
Trumpo has cut funding to PEPFAR. PEPFAR provides HIV prevention, care and treatment to Nigerians.
Pretty sure it’s the largest HIV treatment program Nigeria has (don’t quote me).
It would be funny if I thought the Nigerian government would step up to fill the void.
— Aunty Teda (@imoteda) January 28, 2025
Just learnt one thing about USA pausing aid.
I bet you knew they have been spending 5+ Billions ugx daily on Uganda for over 50 yearsWhen you help someone, they get entitled and think it’s your responsibility.
Now everyone saying Trump is bad. Remember, it’s 50+years of help— Dr. Sserunjogi Emma (@DrSerunjogiEmma) January 28, 2025
For the record, Trump’s decision to halt all foreign aid, no matter how haphazardly enforced, is good for you as an African.
The fact that so many African healthcare programs are dependent on USAID funding in the first place, is NOT down to American benevolence. It is in fact, a…
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) January 28, 2025
I think this Donald Trump’s decision to cut funds to support HIV in developing countries is a wake up call for AFRICA
Africa is heavily burdened by
– HIV
– AIDS
– Malaria
– Tuberculosis
– Sickel cellBut check , A lot of African countries have ZERO INNOVATION.
What we do is…
— The_Bearded_Dr_Sina (@the_beardedsina) January 28, 2025