Nigeria and Kenya among nations running out of HIV drugs – WHO

The availability of life-saving HIV medications in several countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Lesotho, is under imminent threat due to the recent suspension of US foreign aid. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the disruption could significantly reverse two decades of progress in combating the HIV epidemic.

Impact of the USAID Suspension

The decision to freeze foreign aid, initiated by US President Donald Trump on his first day in office as part of a broader review of government spending, has created widespread uncertainty. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned that such disruptions could result in over 10 million additional HIV cases and more than three million HIV-related deaths, a staggering increase from previous years.

According to WHO, eight countries—including South Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Mali in Africa, as well as Haiti and Ukraine—are facing potential shortages of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs in the coming months. Without urgent intervention, millions of individuals dependent on these medications for survival could be left without treatment.

Far-Reaching Consequences on Health Systems

The executive order, which initially paused aid for 90 days under the “America First” policy, has already disrupted global health programs. The suspension has particularly affected the distribution of medical supplies, with USAID—the primary channel for logistical support—experiencing funding terminations.

While a waiver was issued in February to allow some exemptions for the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the damage to essential services has been severe. PEPFAR, established in 2003, has played a critical role in making ARV treatments accessible in low-income countries and is credited with saving over 26 million lives. However, the sudden withdrawal of logistical support has halted HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services in over 50 countries.

A Growing Health Crisis in Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden of HIV, with approximately 25 million people living with the virus. In Nigeria alone, nearly two million individuals rely on ARV medications, primarily funded by international aid. Kenya, which has the seventh-largest HIV-positive population globally, also faces severe consequences if treatment interruptions occur.

Dr. Tedros acknowledged the historical generosity of US funding but emphasized the importance of a responsible transition. “While it is within the US government’s rights to determine its funding policies, abrupt withdrawals must be managed in a way that allows affected countries to find alternative solutions without compromising lives,” he said.

Calls for Reconsideration

The potential collapse of HIV treatment programs has sparked international concern, with health advocates urging the US administration to rethink its position. WHO has emphasized that global health security is interconnected and that withdrawing support not only affects recipient nations but could also contribute to the spread of diseases globally.

“We appeal to the US government to reassess its stance on global health funding. Supporting these programs saves lives and strengthens international health security, which ultimately benefits all nations, including the US,” Dr. Tedros remarked.

As affected countries scramble to secure alternative funding and ensure the continued distribution of ARV drugs, the world watches closely to see whether diplomatic interventions or new funding mechanisms will mitigate the crisis. Without swift action, the hard-won progress against the HIV epidemic risks being undone, putting millions of lives at stake.

Related Article

U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization & implications on global health