SPECIAL REPORT: Some Nigerians turn to faith healers as HIV aid dries up

Some Nigerians are turning to faith-based healers as international support for HIV treatment dwindles, according to reports from northern states. The shift comes amid a sharp decline in funding from the United States' President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which had previously supported millions of people living with HIV in Nigeria. Patients like Aisha, who relied on free antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Maiduguri, are now seeking unproven cures from traditional practitioners, driven by both financial constraints and the absence of reliable medical options. Aisha received ART through a clinic in Maiduguri, funded by PEPFAR until early 2025. When the program faced a temporary suspension under former U.S. President Donald Trump, she was informed that the drugs would no longer be available for free. Unable to afford the cost of treatment, she turned to a local faith healer who promised a permanent cure for a fee. She sold household items to fund the purchase of what she believed would be a solution to her condition. The impact of reduced PEPFAR funding extends beyond individual cases. According to a study by amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, at least 1,714 HIV service sites globally closed following disruptions in PEPFAR funding, with minimal replacement of the lost resources. In northern Nigeria, where the HIV epidemic is particularly severe, the lack of consistent medical care has led many to seek out alternative treatments. Faith healers operating in cities like Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, and Maiduguri are capitalizing on this gap. They promote herbal remedies and spiritual interventions, claiming to offer cures for HIV through methods that have not been scientifically validated. These practitioners often use social media and word-of-mouth networks to reach vulnerable populations, offering solutions that appear to be affordable compared to conventional medical treatment. Yusuf Sufi, a traditional healer known as Sarkin Lakanin Jihar Kano, markets his treatments for N45,000 ($33) for basic HIV care and up to N250,000 ($183) for more advanced stages of the disease. He asserts that his remedies have successfully treated numerous individuals. Similarly, Abdullahi Umar, who runs the Kashful Aleel Islamic Medicine Centre, claims his treatments have cured patients in multiple regions, including Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Maiduguri. Medical professionals warn that such claims are misleading. Abubakar Ibrahim, a senior registrar in the Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Unit at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, emphasized that there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these alternative treatments. ART, the standard form of treatment, works by suppressing the virus to undetectable levels, allowing the immune system to function properly. It does not eliminate the virus completely, nor does it offer a permanent cure. The promotion of unverified cures often occurs within a religious framework. Practitioners frequently reference Islamic teachings, citing a Hadith that suggests God creates no disease without also providing a remedy. This interpretation resonates strongly in northern Nigeria, where Islam plays a central role in daily life and decision-making. As a result, many patients find these claims compelling, especially when conventional medical options seem inaccessible or unaffordable. The situation highlights a broader challenge in global public health policy. While PEPFAR has contributed significantly to the fight against HIV/AIDS, with over $100 billion invested since 2003, the recent funding changes have exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare systems reliant on external support. In Nigeria alone, PEPFAR has allocated over $7.8 billion to provide ART to more than 1.9 million people, a critical resource in a country ranked fourth in the world for HIV prevalence. As the search for effective treatment continues, the reliance on faith-based healing raises concerns among medical experts and public health officials. The potential risks associated with unproven therapies underscore the need for increased investment in accessible, science-backed healthcare solutions, particularly in regions where international aid remains a crucial lifeline.