As Trump Cuts Aid: If You’re HIV Negative Prioritize Healthy Habits
By Ali Garba
With USA president Donald Trump cutting funding for free HIV treatment and other programs, the disease may spread rapidly. It’s therefore crucial to discipline yourself and prioritize your health.
Latest market survey reveals HIV drugs now cost approximately $2000 USD for just a week’s supply. The impact on low-income individuals will therefore expected to be devastating.
And, Nigeria having the second-largest population of persons living with HIV/AIDS, estimated at 1.9 million people out of a population of 200 million plus, this figure is by any means a big number, even larger than the populations of some countries.
As a healthcare worker, I can attest that the reality of HIV is akin to the malaria epidemic and malnutrition. We may face an increase in diseases including tuberculosis as Trump has suspended humanaterian services USAID provides to poor countries globally.
It’s time to strengthen our healthcare systems, pharmaceutical industry, and find a way forward.
Nigeria have relied too heavily on foreign aid and assistance to combat our own epidemics. It’s time for us to take ownership and find solutions.
Although Nigeria has a high absolute number of people living with HIV, this is largely due to its large population.
The cost of HIV antiviral drugs in Nigeria could rise due to Trump’s recent policy of temporarily suspending foreign aid.
The Nigerian government is among the largest recipients of U.S. medical assistance, which enables it to provide free HIV medication at certain public healthcare centers.
However, this aid does not cover additional expenses like antibiotics, pain relievers, or transportation, which patients must pay for themselves. Moreover, not all individuals with HIV qualify for or have access to the government treatment program. As a result, some must purchase their medication from pharmacies, where prices can be high.
In Nigeria, the cost of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV varies depending on the source of treatment. The Nigerian government, with support from international partners, provides free ART to patients at designated public health facilities. However, not all individuals have access to these programs, and some may incur out-of-pocket expenses.
A study published in 2018 estimated the average annual cost per patient for ART in Nigeria to be $157 USD nationally, with facility-level costs averaging $231 USD.
Another report from 2018 indicated that treating a person living with HIV in Nigeria cost approximately ₦208,500 ($139) per year.
Despite the availability of free ART, many patients still face significant expenses.
A 2021 report revealed that about 11.2% of people living with HIV in Nigeria incur substantial out-of-pocket costs for treatment. These expenses can include transportation to healthcare facilities, laboratory tests, and medications for opportunistic infections.
For those who do not access government programs, purchasing ART from private pharmacies can be costly. In such cases, the annual cost of treatment may be around $368 per person, which translates to approximately ₦552,000.
It’s important to note that these figures can vary based on factors such as location, availability of services, and individual health needs. Patients are encouraged to seek care at government – approved centers to minimize costs and ensure access to comprehensive HIV care.
Regardless abstinence is the key if you aren’t married .
Here are top 10 countries with the highest HIV infected populations:
1.South Africa – 8.2 million
2.Mozambique – 2.4 million
3.India – 2.4 million
4.Nigeria – 1.9 million
5.Tanzania – 1.7 million
6.Uganda – 1.5 million
7.Zimbabwe – 1.3 million
8.Zambia – 1.2 million
9.Malawi – 1.0 million
10.Kenya – 1.4 million
Ali Garba is the chairman of Muslim Health Workers Ummah Kebbi State, a charitable and a non political organization