Trump Suspends HIV Funding for Nigeria And Other Developing Countries

• The US State Department has halted funding for Nigeria and other developing nations from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for at least 90 days.

• The new changes only cover emergency humanitarian assistance and military financing for Israel and Egypt.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has suspended funding and treatment initiatives aimed at combating HIV in Nigeria and other developing nations.

The U.S. State Department has ceased financial support provided to Nigeria and similar countries through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for a minimum duration of 90 days.

The only exceptions to this funding suspension are emergency humanitarian assistance and military financing allocated for Israel and Egypt.

In response to the funding ban, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated, “The United States will no longer distribute funds indiscriminately without ensuring a return for the American populace.”

This decision has caused significant concern within the global health community.

PEPFAR was initially established by former President George W. Bush in 2003 with the objective of preventing HIV/AIDS, saving lives, and controlling the virus’s spread.

With an annual budget of $6.5 billion, PEPFAR provides HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million individuals.

However, this funding has been suspended following President Trump’s executive order regarding foreign aid issued on January 20, 2025.