Stories by Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
When international funding for HIV programmes reduced, community volunteers in Nigeria stepped in to ensure that patients do not lose access to life-saving treatment.
In rural communities across Benue State, volunteers like Josephine Angev spent months moving from house to house, encouraging people living with HIV to remain on their medication. The disruption in aid had left many without steady access to antiretroviral drugs, forcing urgent local intervention.
Angev, 40, is among the several “HIV champions” who work at the grassroots to reconnect patients to care. Their efforts are particularly important in addressing stigma, which often discourages individuals from seeking help openly.
Interruptions in antiretroviral therapy can have serious consequences. Once treatment stops, the virus can quickly rebound, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of transmission.
One of Angev’s patients, a 65-year-old woman, had stopped taking her medication after running out of supplies and later fell ill. Following repeated visits and support, she resumed treatment and has since regained stability.
Her case reflects the broader impact of global aid reduction in 2025, which disrupted HIV services in several countries, including Nigeria.
In response, the Nigerian government introduced a $200 million emergency health funding package that included HIV care. A waiver by the United States of America later allowed the continuation of some life-saving interventions, but gaps remain.
Volunteers played a critical role during this period. When phone contact failed, they physically traced patients to their homes to ensure continuity of care.
For many patients, the uncertainty was distressing. A 41-year-old mother of three described her fear when she heard about the funding cuts, worrying that she might no longer afford her medication. With the help of volunteers, she was able to return to treatment.
“These drugs are everything to me. My children are HIV-negative and I believe this treatment helped protect them and secure my future,” she said.
The funding pause initiated by the American President, Donald Trump in early 2025 had widespread consequences. The United States had previously covered the majority of Nigeria’s HIV treatment costs and supported healthcare personnel. Following the cuts, drug supply chains were strained and access to medication became inconsistent.
In some cases, patients received only short-term drug supplies instead of the usual multi-month provision. In Makurdi, the Benue State capital, treatment centres temporarily shut down, raising concerns about possible shortages.
Prevention services were severely affected. According to civil society groups, access to preventive medication dropped sharply, while condom distribution declined significantly. Testing services were disrupted as well, leading to a notable decrease in the number of people screened for HIV.
Although services have gradually improved, health experts warn that gaps in prevention and testing could result in increased infection rates over time.
Looking ahead, Nigeria and the United States have reached a new health agreement covering 2026 to 2030. The plan prioritises HIV response efforts and aims to transition full funding responsibility to Nigeria within five years, while expanding treatment coverage.
Despite these developments, community volunteers remain essential. In Benue, Angev continues her outreach, driven by the impact she sees.
Though demanding, she says the effort is worthwhile when patients regain their health and stability—proof that timely intervention can save lives.
