Health Workers Raise Alarm Over HIV/AIDS Spike in Abia, Blame US Aid Cuts

Health professionals in Abia State have voiced deep concern over a rising number of HIV/AIDS cases, attributing the surge to the impact of former US President Donald Trump’s anti-aid policy. They say the decision to cut funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has disrupted the supply of life-saving drugs to patients, many of whom can no longer afford their treatment.

Speaking during a workshop for health leaders and managers in the state, the stakeholders warned that the previously controlled HIV/AIDS situation is now deteriorating rapidly. They urged for immediate local intervention, stressing that failure to act swiftly could result in a full-blown public health crisis.

“HIV/AIDS is now on the increase. Most of the patients are out of their drugs because of Trump’s policy, which affected supplies by our donor agency – USAID,” one of the stakeholders said. “Once a HIV/AIDS patient is on medication, the viral load is suppressed. So we need to re-strategise and come up with an action plan before it gets out of control. There is also need for increased sensitisation and awareness about this. Trump’s wave has swept the USAID off, so we need to fill up the gap.”

They also highlighted the issue of delayed delivery of medical supplies from donor agencies. A particular concern was raised about a batch of healthcare products that are set to expire in September but were only delivered in July, leaving a narrow window for use.

“How can you be giving us products that will expire by September in July?” one of the health workers queried.

The call to action underscores the urgent need for both government and private sector support to address the growing crisis, as vulnerable patients continue to bear the brunt of disrupted international aid.