Trump’s aid freeze threatens Nigeria’s HIV, malaria programmes

The United States has significantly impacted Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with over 2.2 million children aged 3 to 59 months receiving malaria prevention medication and 13 million girls aged 9 to 14 vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These efforts aim to prevent deadly diseases and strengthen public health in the country.

These achievements were part of the U.S. government’s extensive foreign aid programmes, which in 2024 alone allocated $370 million for health, $310 million for humanitarian assistance, and millions more for education, agriculture, and security.

However, these initiatives face uncertainty following President Donald Trump’s 90-day freeze on foreign aid.

The executive order halts new funding for most foreign assistance programmes, excluding emergency food aid and military support for key allies, sparking global concerns about its impact.

For Nigeria, the freeze could disrupt critical health programmes, including HIV/AIDS and malaria initiatives that millions depend on.

The U.S. has been instrumental in delivering life-saving HIV treatment to over 1 million women and children in Nigeria and screening nearly 20 million Nigerians for tuberculosis.

Experts warn that the aid freeze could stall progress in combating epidemics like HIV, as Nigeria struggles to fully assume responsibility for health initiatives previously supported by U.S. funding.

Despite the challenges, there is optimism that Nigeria’s growing pharmaceutical sector could fill the gap. Professor Oliver Ezechi of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research stressed the importance of local ownership, which could lead to sustainable healthcare programs in the long run.

In addition to health, U.S. foreign aid has bolstered Nigeria’s economy and security. Initiatives like Prosper Africa have created jobs and supported economic growth, while $40 million in military aid strengthened Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

As the 90-day freeze unfolds, questions remain about its long-term implications for Nigeria’s development and the U.S.’s global influence.

Experts caution that withdrawing aid risks undermining the relationships and goodwill fostered by years of support, which could reshape international dynamics.