The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that declining international funding for HIV programmes could reverse decades of progress in the fight against the virus, with Nigeria among the countries most at risk because of its heavy reliance on donor-supported prevention, testing and treatment programmes.
The World Health Organization has raised fresh concerns over shrinking donor support for HIV programmes, warning that funding cuts threaten hard-won gains in reducing infections and expanding access to life-saving treatment across Africa.
According to global health experts, Nigeria remains particularly vulnerable because a significant portion of its HIV response depends on external financing from international partners.
Nigeria Among Most Vulnerable
WHO and UNAIDS warned that reductions in donor funding could disrupt HIV prevention campaigns, testing services, access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral treatment programmes.
Recent assessments indicate that access to HIV prevention services has already declined sharply in some countries, including Nigeria, raising fears that new infections could increase if funding gaps persist.
Risk of Losing Decades of Progress
Health experts said the global HIV response recorded its lowest level of funding in nearly two decades after a significant drop in international support.
They warned that without renewed investment, countries could experience:
- Rising HIV infections.
- Interruptions in treatment for people living with HIV.
- Increased AIDS-related deaths.
- Pressure on already stretched public health systems.
Call for Greater Domestic Investment
WHO, UNAIDS and public health advocates urged African governments to increase domestic financing for HIV programmes to reduce dependence on foreign donors.
They stressed that sustained investment is essential if countries hope to meet global targets for ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.