Dr. Chinonso Egemba, also known as Aproko Doctor on social media, a Nigerian medical practitioner, has expressed worry over the country’s healthcare system in the wake of the alleged suspension in US financing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
In a message published on Tuesday via X, he cautioned that Nigeria cannot continue to rely on contributions for healthcare.
With the suspension of US foreign funding, he warned that HIV, TB, and malaria cases in Nigeria might increase.
“Now is the moment to take our healthcare system seriously. The second-best time occurred yesterday. Nigeria cannot continue to rely on contributions for its own healthcare,” Egemba said.
He highlighted the severe impact of the funding cut, particularly on people living with HIV in Nigeria.
“If you don’t treat HIV, almost everyone affected will develop AIDS,” he explained, stressing that antiretroviral drugs are crucial in suppressing the virus and preventing transmission.
Egemba noted that these drugs are largely donated due to their high cost, and with the withdrawal of PEPFAR funding, Nigeria faces a crisis.
