Oyo Lawmaker, Comforter Olajide Demands Urgent Government Intervention As PEPFAR Exit Threatens HIV/AIDS Care

Oyo Lawmaker, Comforter Olajide Calls for Swift Government Action as PEPFAR’s Withdrawal Puts HIV/AIDS Care at Risk

The Oyo State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over a potential public health emergency resulting from the planned withdrawal of the United States Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a programme that has long supported HIV/AIDS treatment and care services across the state.

In a motion moved by Hon. Mrs. Olufunke Comforter Olajide, representing Ibadan North Constituency I, lawmakers called for urgent state intervention to prevent catastrophic consequences for over 59,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) who depend on antiretroviral therapy (ART) provided through 21 health facilities across the state.

PEPFAR, a flagship global health initiative of the U.S. government, has been instrumental in funding treatment, staffing, and service delivery in Oyo State.

However, an Executive Order by President Donald Trump to halt funding for global health programs has led to widespread disruptions in HIV/AIDS services across Nigeria, with Oyo State among the hardest hit due to its heavy reliance on donor-driven healthcare.

The motion highlighted that over 550 ad-hoc personnel previously engaged by the AIDS Public Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) to support ART services have been disengaged, resulting in severe staffing shortages and service interruptions at critical health facilities.

“The consequences of this disruption are dire. We are facing increased risks of treatment default, viral resistance, and preventable deaths. The State Government must act swiftly to bridge these gaps.” Hon. Olufunke Comforter Olajide said

The House expressed concern that the withdrawal of PEPFAR support could reverse decades of progress in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, destabilize affected households, and erode public trust in the health system.

It also warned of increased pressure on primary healthcare facilities and potential losses in workforce productivity.

The Motion resolved to urge the Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministry of Health, Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), and the Primary Health Care Board, to assess and bridge treatment gaps, develop a state-funded intervention strategy, and re-engage disengaged personnel using state resources or public-private partnerships.

It also called on donor agencies, NGOs, and private health investors to partner with the government and community-based organizations to sustain support for PLHIV.

The Motion further called on House Committee on Health to convene a stakeholder engagement session with NEPWHAN, APYIN, ASWHAN, OYSACA, and others to review the current status of HIV/AIDS services and chart a sustainable path forward.

It will equally liaise with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to explore special funding windows or reallocations to maintain critical services.

The Motion appealed to members of the House and political office holders to support ART services in designated facilities to prevent loss of life due to treatment gaps.

Members unanimously resolved that urgent and decisive action by all stakeholders particularly the Oyo State Government is pivotal in safeguarding the lives and enhancing the treatment of thousands affected by the virus.