The United States has signed into law a $5.88 billion bipartisan spending package to strengthen the global fight against HIV, according to a press release from UNAIDS highlighting Washington’s continued commitment to the response.
The funding supports bilateral HIV programmes, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and UNAIDS, reinforcing US leadership in efforts to meet global HIV targets.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said the allocation would provide life-saving support for millions in partner countries while keeping programmes efficient, data-driven and results-oriented.
“US President Donald Trump signed the consolidated spending package into law on 3 February 2026, allocating $4.6 billion to bilateral HIV support through the America First Global Health Strategy, $1.25 billion to the Global Fund and $45 million to UNAIDS.
I thank President Trump and the US Congress for their continued commitment to HIV and global health,” Byanyima said.
UNAIDS added that the package supports the America First Global Health Strategy and aligns with the 95-95-95 targets — a framework aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Nigeria continues to face a significant HIV burden, with an estimated two million people living with HIV and an adult prevalence rate of about 1.4 percent. Of these, roughly 1.6 million are receiving treatment.
Progress in Nigeria’s HIV response has depended heavily on international support for testing, treatment, prevention services and data systems that track outcomes. Without sustained funding, millions needing antiretroviral therapy and related care could face disruptions or reduced access.
For more than two decades, the US has been the world’s largest contributor to the global HIV response through initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and support for the Global Fund and UNAIDS.
Since its launch in 2003 under President George W. Bush, PEPFAR has provided over $120 billion in cumulative funding and is credited with saving more than 25 million lives while preventing millions of new infections across more than 50 countries.
However, the funding landscape shifted in early 2025 when the US government introduced sweeping changes to its foreign aid framework. An executive order in January paused large portions of development assistance — including key health programmes — pending policy review.
The cutback affected many low- and middle-income countries reliant on US support for antiretroviral treatment, testing, prevention services and health worker training, raising concerns among global health officials about potential reversals in HIV control gains.
Nigeria’s health financing challenges compound the risk. The country spends about $120 per capita on healthcare annually, with roughly $30 coming from government sources and the majority paid out-of-pocket. This structure leaves millions vulnerable, particularly in accessing quality primary healthcare and essential services.
