The Save Lives Sustainable and Counselling Initiative, a non-governmental organization based in Kano, has raised concern over the growing threat facing HIV-discordant couples—where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is not—following the U.S. government’s suspension of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) support through USAID across Nigeria and other parts of Africa and Asia.

In an interview with DAILY POST, Comrade Haruna Ado Sani, also known as Makafin Dala, the organization’s Programme Director, said the decision is having a serious impact on many couples in Kano who relied on PrEP medication to protect their HIV-negative partners.

“Previously, PrEP helped strengthen relationships and marriages between people living with HIV and their HIV-negative partners. But now, with the support withdrawn, many of these couples are left in fear and uncertainty,” he said.

He explained that since the announcement that USAID would no longer provide PrEP, the organization stopped giving out the medication and now advises patients to stay consistent with their HIV treatment to reduce the virus to an undetectable level.

One HIV-positive man, who asked not to be named, told DAILY POST that he and his wife have been married for over six years after agreeing she would be safe as long as she took PrEP.

“My wife agreed to marry me because of how much she loves me and after doctors assured her she would not get infected if she took the medication. But now, we’re living in fear — worried about the future for ourselves and our two children,” he said.

He added that if he could find a place to buy the drug, he would pay out of his own pocket to protect his marriage and his family.

Another issue, according to the organization’s director, is that some couples are unwilling to use condoms during sex, which further complicates the situation.

“We’ve tried to educate people about the importance of staying on their HIV treatment even without PrEP, but many are not convinced. This is a serious issue, and the government needs to step in quickly to help by providing this medication,” he said.

However, the director clarified that the suspension of PrEP support does not affect pregnant women who are married to HIV-positive partners. These women are still eligible to receive the medication as part of efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission and protect their health during pregnancy.

In January, U.S. President Donald Trump suspended USAID’s operations, claiming the agency was involved in funding terrorism. The move disrupted the supply of HIV drugs in many African and Asian countries.

Although the Nigerian federal government later announced a ₦5 billion fund to purchase HIV medication, Comrade Haruna Ado Sani said their organization has not received any support or official communication about it.

“We’ve not received any drugs from the government. We only heard in the media that funds were allocated, but no one has contacted us or delivered any medication,” he said.

The Save Lives Initiative is urging the federal government to act urgently by restoring access to PrEP or providing alternative protection for HIV-discordant couples.

They warn that inaction could lead to new infections, emotional distress, and the breakdown of families.