The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a sustainable HIV response in Nigeria, emphasising the Federal Government’s plans to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation. This announcement comes as the country navigates the implications of shifting foreign aid policies following the recent reversal of a decision by the U.S. government to stop funding for HIV treatment programs. The U.S. initially announced a 90-day suspension of funding for HIV treatment programs across various countries, including Nigeria.
But, the decision was reversed through an Emergency Humanitarian Waiver approved by the U.S. Secretary of State. This waiver ensures the continued distribution of lifesaving medicines and services under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been a cornerstone of the country’s human immunodeficiency virus treatment program for over two decades. As a result, PEPFAR currently funds about 90 percent of the nation’s HIV treatment efforts, benefitting millions of individuals living with the virus.
NACA has outlined plans to intensify domestic resource mobilisation.
With about two million people living with the virus, the region accounts for the highest number of cases in West and Central Africa. The latest survey by NACA estimates the country’s HIV prevalence rate at 1.3 percent, underscoring the persistent Public Health challenge posed by the disease. While international support, particularly from PEPFAR, has been critical in scaling up prevention, treatment, and care efforts, the recent funding uncertainties highlight the vulnerability of the nation’s response to external factors.
To address these vulnerabilities, NACA has outlined plans to intensify domestic resource mobilisation. This approach aims to reduce reliance on foreign aid and ensure the Sustainability of disease treatment and prevention programs. To achieve this goal, the agency emphasises the importance of strategic collaborations with stakeholders, including state governments, Private Sector partners, and Civil Society organisations. By promoting favourable policies and an enabling environment, the country remains committed to achieving its target of ending AIDS by 2030.
Lifesaving medicines and services secure a temporary reprieve.
Furthermore, the Emergency Humanitarian Waiver issued by the U.S. government provides a reprieve for millions of people living with the disease worldwide, including those in Nigeria. The waiver allows the uninterrupted delivery of essential medicines and services, ensuring patients can continue accessing treatment. Without this intervention, the suspension of funding could have led to severe disruptions in the availability of antiretroviral drugs and testing kits, potentially increasing new infections and AIDS-related deaths. Meanwhile, PEPFAR’s support has been instrumental in maintaining Nigeria’s HIV treatment programs, directly benefitting over two-thirds of all people living with the disease who receive treatment globally.
However, NACA’s strategic plan focuses on leveraging domestic resources to build a resilient and self-sustaining response. This includes increasing budgetary allocations for health at the federal and state levels, engaging private sector funding, and promoting community-based initiatives. The agency’s call for intensified collaboration extends to all levels of governance and society. State governors, legislators, civil society groups, and media organisations are encouraged to remain committed to the fight against the disease. Their collective efforts are vital in creating an environment conducive to successfully implementing its programs nationwide. They also emphasise the importance of patient advocacy, urging individuals to continue accessing treatment and support services at designated healthcare facilities.
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HIV, a virus that weakens the immune system by attacking key cells, remains a significant public health challenge globally. Without treatment, the virus progresses to AIDS, a condition characterised by life-threatening infections and complications. Access to Antiretroviral Therapy is crucial for managing the disease and preventing its progression. Regular treatment helps suppress the virus, allowing individuals to lead healthier lives and reducing the risk of transmission. For Nigeria, ensuring uninterrupted access to treatment is an urgent matter of public health. The government’s efforts to strengthen domestic funding aim to safeguard the availability of lifesaving medicines and services.