Healthworkers raise alarm over spike in HIV/AIDS in Abia, blame Trump's anti-AID policy.

Health Workers Raise Alarm Over Spike in HIV/AIDS in Abia, Blame Trump's Anti-AID Policy. Health workers in Abia State have raised the alarm over a concerning rise in HIV/AIDS cases, attributing the surge to former U.S. President Donald Trump's anti-aid policy.

They blame the spike on the significant funding cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has long played a critical role in subsidizing HIV/AIDS medications globally.

The concerns were voiced during a recent workshop for health leaders and managers in the state.

Stakeholders expressed deep worry that the pandemic—previously under control—could spiral out of hand once again, especially as many patients can no longer afford their treatment. According to them, unless urgent and localized interventions are implemented, the situation could escalate into a serious public health crisis for the state.

"HIV/AIDS cases are increasing. Most patients are now off their medication due to Trump's policy, which disrupted our supply chain from USAID," one stakeholder said. "You know that once an HIV/AIDS patient is on medication, the viral load is suppressed. But when the drugs stop, the danger returns."

They emphasized the need to re-strategize and develop a concrete action plan to prevent a resurgence of the epidemic. Additionally, they called for increased sensitization, public awareness campaigns, and the urgent need to bridge the gap left by donor agencies like USAID.

"Trump's wave has swept USAID off its footing. We need to fill the gap urgently," they stressed.

The stakeholders also highlighted the importance of timely delivery of healthcare products from donor agencies. They lamented the late arrival of critical medical supplies, noting that some products received in July are set to expire by September.

"How can you be giving us products that will expire by September in July?" one health official queried.

They concluded by calling for improved logistics and accountability in the distribution of medical supplies to ensure they reach patients promptly and remain effective.