A global health advocate, Dr. Melissa Okiemen has raised concerns about the recent pause in funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), warning that it could significantly impact Nigeria’s battle against HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer.
In an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Okiemen explained that the funding gap threatens millions of lives in a country where an estimated 1.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.
“Cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria, is particularly concerning for HIV-positive individuals, who are six times more likely to develop the disease due to weakened immune systems,” she said.
She emphasised that PEPFAR has played a crucial role in providing antiretroviral therapy (ART), which not only helps manage HIV but also reduces the risk of complications, including HPV-related cancers.
“ART is expensive but essential – it strengthens the immune system and prevents HIV from progressing to AIDS. Without sustained funding, we risk an increase in HIV-related deaths and a surge in preventable cervical cancer cases,” she warned.
With Cervical Cancer Awareness Month approaching, Okiemen called for urgent action to mitigate the impact of the funding pause:
1. Increase Cervical Cancer Screenings: Women, especially those living with HIV, should prioritise regular screenings to detect precancerous changes early.
2. Expand HPV Vaccination: Girls aged 9-14 should receive the HPV vaccine, which is a proven preventive measure against cervical cancer.
3. Advocate for Sustainable Funding: The Nigerian government and stakeholders must promote policies that sustain ART and HPV prevention programs to ensure continued access to critical healthcare services.
4. Strengthen Local Healthcare Initiatives: Alternative funding sources and domestic investment in HIV/AIDS and cancer care should be prioritised to reduce dependence on external donors.
Okiemen joined other health advocates in calling on policymakers, civil society organisations, and the global community to intervene before Nigeria faces devastating setbacks in HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer care.
“If we fail to act now, we will undo years of progress in HIV and cancer prevention. Lives are at stake, and we must not wait for the crisis to escalate before responding,” she said.
As Nigeria grapples with uncertainty, Okiemen stressed that the global health community will be watching closely to see how the government and stakeholders respond to this urgent challenge.
Science Nigeria reports that the Trump administration recently halted the distribution of HIV medications purchased with U.S. aid as part of a broader freeze on foreign assistance, impacting PEPFAR—a programme credited with saving over 25 million lives.
As a result, clinics and hospitals in low-income countries have already experienced cuts in funding, leading to canceled appointments and disruptions in treatment. Federal officials have been instructed not to communicate with external partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), exacerbating confusion about the future of the programme.
Additionally, PEPFAR’s data systems were abruptly shut down, raising concerns about long-term implications. Critics warn that the funding freeze could lead to:
– Treatment interruptions for millions of HIV-positive individuals
– Increased HIV transmission rates
– Drug resistance due to inconsistent medication access
– Significant loss of life, particularly in low-income nations reliant on PEPFAR
In response to mounting pressure, the Trump administration issued a waiver allowing the temporary distribution of HIV medications under PEPFAR. However, it remains unclear whether the waiver includes preventive drugs and other essential services.
With over 20 million people – including 500,000 children – at risk of losing life-saving treatment, experts warn that, without intervention, the HIV/AIDS crisis could escalate to levels not seen since the 1980s.
