US Approves $5.88 Billion to Strengthen Global HIV Response in 2026
The United States has approved a US$5.88 billion funding package to bolster the global fight against HIV. Signed into law by President Donald Trump on 3 February 2026, the measure aims to support millions of people in need of treatment. The move comes as Nigeria, with around 2 million people living with HIV, relies heavily on international aid for its response to the epidemic.
The new spending package directs US$4.6 billion to bilateral HIV programmes, US$1.25 billion to the Global Fund, and US$45 million to UNAIDS. These funds will help maintain life-saving services in countries dependent on US assistance. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima praised the decision, thanking both the US president and Congress for their ongoing commitment to global health.
Nigeria, where roughly 1.6 million people currently receive HIV treatment, faces significant risks if support wavers. The country has a national HIV prevalence rate of about 1.4 percent among adults. Without continued funding, access to antiretroviral therapy and related health services could shrink, leaving many without critical care.
The US remains the largest government donor to the global HIV response, covering around 80 percent of total donor support for low- and middle-income countries in 2024. However, reports indicate broader cuts to US foreign aid since early 2025, including the suspension of USAID activities in February and its full dissolution by July. These reductions have already disrupted health services in some regions, raising concerns about the long-term impact on HIV programmes.
The latest funding package seeks to keep the global HIV response effective and data-driven. It reinforces US leadership in meeting international targets while ensuring that partner countries can continue delivering essential treatment and prevention services.
The US$5.88 billion allocation will provide stability for HIV programmes in countries like Nigeria, where millions depend on external support. The law ensures that treatment and prevention efforts remain on track, despite earlier aid reductions. Without this funding, many at-risk populations could lose access to the care they need.
