BY RITA OYIBOKA
Following the United States’ reversal of its suspension of HIV/AIDS funding to several developing countries, including Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (DELSACA), Dr Rudolf Hobson has called on affected nations to take greater responsibility for sustaining their HIV response.
In an interview with The Pointer, Dr Hobson reacted to the US government’s 90-day suspension of aid under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and its subsequent waiver, stressing the necessity for long-term strategies that prioritise self-sufficiency over-reliance on foreign assistance.
“This decision does not impact Nigeria alone but several other countries. Regardless of external support, governments worldwide must take proactive steps to sustain critical health interventions, including HIV/AIDS treatment,” he said.
Although a waiver ensures the continuation of essential HIV services, Dr Hobson sees the funding pause as a wake-up call for governments to strengthen domestic healthcare financing.
“All recipient nations must find ways to sustain these programmes. Relying solely on donors is not a viable long-term strategy,” he stressed.
Dr. Hobson urged policymakers to explore alternative funding mechanisms, including increased public-private partnerships to ensure uninterrupted HIV care.
