The suspension of U.S. funding for global HIV treatment has sparked fear and uncertainty among people living with the disease, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those dependent on free medication.
Haruna Makafin Dala, Secretary of the SafeLife Sustainable and Counseling Initiative in Kano, warned that without urgent government intervention, many patients could face life-threatening consequences. He expressed concern that the funding cut could drive people toward unproven traditional remedies, worsening the crisis.
Bashir Ismail, another HIV patient, revealed that free testing and medication for new cases had already been suspended, with drug supplies running low.
A recent survey by SafeLife Initiative found a rise in child HIV infections in Kano, while support for orphaned children is dwindling. The organization currently cares for over 2,000 orphans who lost parents to HIV-related complications.
The funding suspension stems from an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, revoking support for the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned the decision, warning it could reverse decades of progress, leading to increased infections and deaths.
The cut affects the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has operated in over 50 countries, saving more than 26 million lives. Currently, it provides treatment for over 20 million people, including 566,000 children under 15.
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