Condom distribution in Nigeria drops 55% amid global HIV funding cuts

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has reported a 55% drop in condom distribution in Nigeria between December 2024 and March 2025, highlighting a severe disruption in HIV prevention efforts.

The decline is part of a broader global crisis, with prevention, testing, and community-based programmes affected across dozens of countries, according to UNAIDS’ 2025 World AIDS Day report, Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.

The report cites funding shortfalls, including a temporary halt of HIV-related support from the United States—the world’s largest donor—as a major factor.

2.5 million people in Nigeria lost access to preventive HIV medication (PrEP) due to funding cuts.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima warned that these disruptions are undermining global efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Globally, 40.8 million people are living with HIV, with 1.3 million new infections reported in 2024.

Although condom use remains the most effective low-cost prevention method, UNAIDS notes that condom programmes and social marketing schemes have been severely defunded, causing a decline in use, particularly among young people.

The report also highlights disparities across countries: preventive medicine distribution fell 31% in Uganda, 21% in Vietnam, and 64% in Burundi.

Community partners have reported deaths due to clinic closures, though exact numbers remain unclear.

UNAIDS stressed the urgent need for renewed political and financial commitments, increased domestic funding, and investment in innovations such as long-acting HIV prevention methods, alongside support for community-led initiatives and human rights protections.

Without immediate action, UNAIDS warns, millions of people risk losing access to life-saving prevention and treatment, potentially reversing decades of progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.