The Impact of US Government Stop-Work Order and Limited Waiver on HIV Program in LASUTH, Nigeria: A Retrospective Review.

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) management programme is largely donor-driven in Low- and Medium-Income Countries (LMIC), including Nigeria. The programme was temporarily disrupted following a stop work order (SWO) issued by the United States Government in January, 2025. The study retrospectively reviewed the impact of the SWO on HIV management at LASUTH, Nigeria. Methods: This is a retrospective study reviewing the impact of the SWO on the management of HIV programmes at LASUTH. The data of all the five thousand five hundred and thirty-eight (5538) HIV patients who registered before January, 2025 were reviewed to determine the impact of the SWO on the programme. HIV testing services (HTS), missed appointments, retention rate and viral load coverage were assessed. The data obtained were presented in a graphical format. Results: There was a 30% drop in the HTS, a rise in the missed appointment from six (6) to ninety-one (91), a drop in the retention rate from 97.8% to 96.6% and viral load coverage from 99.1% to 95.1%. Conclusion: The HIV testing services, missed appointment, retention rate, and viral load coverage were negatively impacted during the stop work order. Countries in LMIC should de-emphasize dependency on donor funding of HIV programmes.