By Esther Onyegbula

With Nigeria facing an uncertain future in its HIV/AIDS response due to the recent U.S. aid freeze, the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA) and Access Holdings have intensified private-sector efforts, conducting free HIV testing for over 2,000 participants at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2025.

The event, held at Eko Atlantic City, also provided HIV prevention education to more than 3,000 attendees and distributed thousands of condoms and information materials. But beyond these numbers lies a larger issue: the looming funding crisis threatening the treatment of over 1.5 million HIV-positive Nigerians.

It will be recalled that on January 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order halting all foreign aid for 90 days, putting the future of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in jeopardy. PEPFAR contributes nearly 70% of Nigeria’s $500 million annual HIV response budget, and experts warn that without immediate intervention, lives will be at risk.

Speaking on the development, a member of the African HIV Control Working Group, and former CEO of NIBUCAA and HTFN Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, said: “This is a burning platform moment, an urgent crisis that demands immediate action. The Nigerian government must prepare an emergency plan to ensure the uninterrupted treatment of 1.9 million HIV-positive citizens. We can no longer afford to rely on donor funding alone.”

As Nigeria braces for the potential fallout of the U.S. aid freeze, public health advocates stress that the country must take full ownership of its HIV response. “Global solidarity should be the icing on the cake, not the foundation,” Ozoemene warned. “If we don’t act swiftly, people will die.”

Recognizing the urgency, Access holdings, one of NIBUCAA’s key corporate partners, reaffirmed its commitment to HIV awareness and prevention.

According to Esther Graham of Access Holdings’ Sustainability Team, “With Nigeria having one of the highest HIV/AIDS burdens in Sub-Saharan Africa, strategic private-sector partnerships is more important than ever.”

NIBUCAA, in collaboration with over 20 corporate giants, including Dangote Group and Shell Development Company, has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. The coalition continues to push for stronger domestic funding, integration of HIV services into primary healthcare, and sustainable, locally-driven solutions.

Over 2,000 people received free HIV testing at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

The marathon’s HIV awareness drive underscores a stark reality: Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS can no longer depend on external donors alone.