By Charles Pemu 
Umuahia, Abia State – Health leaders in Abia State have raised concern over a resurgence in HIV/AIDS cases, blaming the development on the U.S. government’s reduced global health aid under former President Donald Trump. The cuts affected drug supplies from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), leaving many patients without access to life-saving antiretroviral.
At a four-day health sector workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Health under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), stakeholders warned that the HIV/AIDS epidemic, once under control, could spiral again if urgent local interventions are not put in place.
“Most patients are out of drugs. Once medication stops, viral loads spike. We must re-strategize and ramp up awareness before it’s too late,” one health official said.
The workshop brought together Primary Health Secretaries from all 17 LGAs, civil society groups, and donor agencies. Officials criticized delays in donor deliveries, citing the July arrival of supplies expiring in September.
Health Commissioner, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, emphasized the state’s commitment to transforming healthcare delivery and said the meeting aimed to build an actionable 2026 health plan aligned with Gov. Alex Otti’s agenda.
The World Health Organization (WHO), represented by Dr. Carol Iwuoha, urged PHCs to provide 24-hour maternal care and discouraged the use of traditional birth attendants due to safety risks.
Dr. Chidinma Ejepu of the Federal Ministry of Health assured equitable federal support and hinted at upcoming policies to curb the exodus of Nigerian health workers.
Abia’s Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr. Ifenyinwa Umah-Kalu, confirmed the recruitment of 771 new health personnel to fill critical gaps, while identifying Bende, Ugwunagbo, and Ukwa East as having the highest maternal mortality rates.
Civil society representatives called for stronger community ownership of PHCs and condemned the influence of religious leaders who dissuade women from seeking proper maternal care.