Health workers in Abia State have raised alarm over a recent surge in HIV/AIDS cases, attributing it to funding cuts by U.S. President Donald Trump. They say the Trump administration’s decision to slash support for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—a major supplier of subsidised HIV/AIDS medication—has severely impacted access to treatment.
Speaking at a workshop for health leaders and managers in the state, the stakeholders expressed deep concern that the progress previously made in controlling the disease could be reversed, as many patients are now unable to afford their medications.
“HIV/AIDS cases are rising again. Most patients are off their medications due to USAID supply disruptions caused by Trump’s policy,” one stakeholder explained. “When a patient is on treatment, the viral load is suppressed. Without it, the risk of transmission increases.”
They warned that unless urgent local interventions are made, the situation could spiral out of control. The health professionals called for a new action plan, improved public awareness, and increased government support to fill the gap left by reduced donor aid.
The stakeholders also criticised the late delivery of healthcare supplies from donor agencies, highlighting a recent case where medication set to expire in September only arrived in July.
“How can we effectively distribute and use drugs that are just two months away from expiry?” one participant asked.
