Nigeria has received a major boost in its efforts to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The Global Fund’s Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) has allocated $933 million to the country for the period 2024 to 2026. Of this amount, $340,095,438 is dedicated to the HIV grant, with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) receiving $10,663,394 to lead the coordination of the multisectoral response. The Nigerian government has been addressing issues regarding this virus in the country through various initiatives.
This includes the development of the HIV National Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which outlines the country’s commitment to ending AIDS as a Public Health threat by 2030. The plan focuses on scaling up its prevention, treatment, and care services, as well as addressing the social and economic determinants of health that contribute to the epidemic. To achieve this goal, the government has implemented several programs, including the scale-up of HIV and TB Gender and Human Rights interventions, the development of state strategic plans, and the implementation of medically assisted treatment for persons who inject drugs.
NACA DG says country needs to build on past success.
Additionally, the government has strengthened its coordination at the sub-national levels through direct support to State Agencies for the Control of AIDS (SACAs) and conducted the HIV Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) 2024. The newly formed Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) has also been established to oversee the implementation of the GC7 grant, with a four-day retreat held to familiarize new team members with their roles and reflect on past successes. The retreat also identified areas for improvement and discussed actionable strategies for future endeavours.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, emphasized the need to build on past successes and improve upon efforts to address its challenges. She urged participants to be efficient and intentional in sustainably addressing the public health challenges of the virus through the use of reliable data for effective decision-making. The Nigerian government’s efforts to address HIV issues have shown substantial progress, with the country achieving a 30% reduction in new infections between 2010 and 2020, according to UNAIDS. However, more work needs to be done to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Grant will enhance capacity and capability to tackle these diseases.
The GC7 grant will play an important role in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to achieve this goal. The allocation of $933 million demonstrates the Global Fund’s commitment to supporting countries in their efforts to address these diseases. The grant will support various activities, including the scale-up of treatment and care services, the strengthening of surveillance and monitoring, and the promotion of prevention programs. Also, the grant will support the implementation of innovative approaches to addressing HIV, such as the use of digital health technologies and the engagement of community-based organizations in response to the virus.
Also, the grant will support the strengthening of health systems and the improvement of access to essential medicines and health products. The Nigerian government has also demonstrated its commitment to addressing these issues by increasing domestic funding for HIV response. In 2020, the government allocated NGN 12.6 billion (approximately USD 33 million) to HIV response, representing a significant increase from previous years. The GC7 grant is a significant boost to Nigeria’s efforts to address HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and demonstrates the Global Fund’s continued commitment to supporting countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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With the support of the Global Fund and other partners, Nigeria is well on its way to achieving its goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The allocation of $933 million to Nigeria under the Global Fund’s GC7 grant is a significant development in the country’s efforts to address HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The grant will support various activities aimed at strengthening HIV response, improving health systems, and increasing access to essential medicines and health products. With the support of the Global Fund and other partners, Nigeria is poised to make significant progress in achieving its goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.