The 2025 World AIDS Day arrives at a moment of sober reflection and deep uncertainty for the future of the global HIV response. It comes at a time when many hard-won gains in expanding access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment, especially for Key Populations (KPs), are being reversed by declining HIV funding and increased criminalization of KPs.
The PEPFAR Freeze and Its Impact on Nigeria
Earlier this year, the United States Government issued an executive order freezing all foreign aid programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), for 90 days. According to the National HIV Spending Assessment report, PEPFAR accounts for 80% of Nigeria’s total HIV spending in 2019. As the largest donor to Nigeria’s HIV response, this freeze had immediate and severe consequences.
Immediately, KP-focused HIV programs began to shut down. Clinics and one-stop shops supported by PEPFAR were forced to suspend operations, and medical personnel providing affirming care to KPs lost their jobs. One of the most devastating outcomes was the sharp drop in access and unavailability of condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). According to UNAIDS data, Nigeria recorded over a 55% decline in condom distribution in early 2025, and PrEP initiation dropped sharply from 40,000 to just 6,000 people per month, leaving thousands of individuals at heightened risk of HIV without essential protection.
Rising Criminalization
This crisis is unfolding against a global backdrop of increasing criminalization of key populations. According to the 2025 Global AIDS Update by UNAIDS, 64 countries criminalize same-sex relations, 14 criminalize transgender people, 168 criminalize aspects of sex work, and 156 criminalize HIV nondisclosure, exposure, or transmission. Despite no evidence that such laws reduce HIV infections, these punitive laws perpetuate stigma, deter people from seeking care, and limit access to lifesaving HIV services.
In Nigeria, where same-sex relationships are criminalized, the declining donor support for HIV response has compounded existing barriers, increasing discrimination and pushing KPs further away from essential HIV prevention and treatment services.
A Critical Call for the Nigerian Government
Increase Domestic Investment
In this moment of shrinking global funding, Nigeria must urgently increase domestic investment in its HIV response. A sustainable response cannot rely almost entirely on external donors. Strengthening national funding would protect essential services from international shocks such as the recent U.S. executive order and ensure uninterrupted lifesaving care for the communities most at risk.
Decriminalize Punitive Laws
There is also an urgent need to review and decriminalize laws that promote stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, especially those targeting LGBTQI individuals, sex workers, and people who use drugs. Such laws not only violate human rights, but they also actively undermine the effectiveness of HIV prevention and treatment programs.
The Path Forward
As we mark World AIDS Day 2025 today, more than ever, the Nigerian government must reaffirm its commitment to achieving the UNAIDS 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. This requires ensuring uninterrupted, people-centred, and community-led responses, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and aligning national law and policies with public health evidence and human rights principles.
Godwill Messages:
AxeGene/South Africa: Stigma is the real enemy. Your courage in living openly or quietly with HIV helps dismantle prejudice and builds understanding.
Eli/Lagos: Your existence is beautiful and wonderful and we’re all so glad you’re here
Anon/Lagos: May you always find support, kindness, and people who remind you that you are never alone.
Precious/Lagos: HIV does not limit your future. You deserve full, joyful, and healthy lives.
Cyan/Nigeria: Your life is full of strength, courage, and beauty. Today, we honor you and all the love you carry.
Ola/Lagos: You deserve joy, care, and compassion every single day. I’m celebrating your resilience and light.
Olive/Lagos: You are worthy of care, safety, and happiness.
A/Lagos: Your story matters. Your presence matters. You are valued, seen, and deeply appreciated.
A/Lagos: Wishing you peace, comfort, and endless support. You are never alone on this journey.
A/Lagos: Your strength inspires hope in others. Thank you for being a living reminder of courage.
B/Lagos: May your days be filled with kindness, laughter, and people who love you exactly as you are.
C/Lagos: You are more than a diagnosis, you are a whole world of dreams, gifts, and possibilities.
J/Lagos: Sending you warmth and encouragement. Your resilience brightens the path for many.
Love/Lagos: You deserve dignity, respect, and joy in full measure. Today and always, we stand with you.
U/Lagos: Your courage is powerful, your voice is important, and your life is a testament to hope.
Makindell/Lagos, Nigeria: Just a reminder that your life, courage, and journey matter deeply. I’m rooting for you today and always.
Jack/Lagos, Nigeria: You deserve love, support, and joy in full measure. I hope today brings you moments of peace and strength.
Musketeer/Lagos, Nigeria: Your resilience inspires more people than you know. Keep shining in your own powerful way.
Tech bro/Lagos, Nigeria: Sending you warmth and encouragement. You are deserving of care, dignity, and every good thing life has to offer.
Periwinkle/Lagos, Nigeria: Your story is one of bravery and hope. I’m honoured to know you and to walk alongside you in any way you need.
Song/Lagos, Nigeria: May today remind you of your strength, your worth, and the many people who care about you deeply.
English/Lagos, Nigeria: You are defined by your courage, your kindness, and your dreams never by your diagnosis. I celebrate you.
Nollywood/Lagos, Nigeria: Here’s a little reminder: you’re not alone. I’m cheering you on through every step, every win, and every challenge.
December/Lagos, Nigeria: Your journey is valid, your feelings are valid, and your life is beautiful. Keep embracing each day with the grace you already carry.
Warriors/Lagos, Nigeria: I’m sending you light, encouragement, and steady support. You are strong, valued, and deserving of endless compassion.
Linoma/Nigeria: I know having to take drugs every day is not an easy task, I celebrate your resilience and I see you
