The Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, FCT chapter, has described the U.S. emergency humanitarian waiver for HIV treatment in 54 countries, including Nigeria, as a lifesaving policy.
Mrs Rejoice Abah, FCT Coordinator for the association, expressed her gratitude to the Trump administration, saying the policy had renewed hope for Persons Living with HIV (PWHIV) in Nigeria.
She spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, sharing her relief at the reversal of the previous policy.
“I was filled with anxiety when the Trump administration withdrew America’s membership from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“Out of panic, I began to stock my house with medication to avoid any health disaster that might occur.
“I thank God that America has rescinded the policy for Nigeria and the other 54 countries,” she said.
Abah urged members of the association to take full advantage of the American government’s support by remaining consistent with their treatment regimen.
NAN reports that the U.S. government recently approved an emergency humanitarian waiver to continue HIV treatment funding in 55 countries, including Nigeria.
This comes after President Donald Trump ordered a funding pause for HIV treatment in developing countries through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), an initiative that currently provides HIV treatment to over 20 million people worldwide.(NAN)
