The Network of People Living With HIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), has expressed excitement over the N100.6 million allocation for HIV/AIDS kits, consumables by the Sokoto State Government.
The NEPWHAN Programme Officer, Malam Yahaya Sanusi, stated this during a media engagement on Thursday in Sokoto.
Sanusi described the efforts as a landmark achievement which was part of the advocacy proceeds made by NEPWHAN at government institutions and other stakeholders’ engagements.
”This will douse the anxiety intensified after the United States Government paused foreign aid funds in January, an action that immediately affected the delivery of life-saving HIV medicines and prevention services in several countries,” he said.
Sanusi sought for increased community participation, institutions’ partnerships and healthcare development programmes ownership by citizens across Sokoto State.
He revealed that NEPWHAN through different interventions from the global funds had constructed and rehabilitated healthcare facilities and provided wide range of services that improved healthcare access to all categories of people in the state.
The programme officer, who doubled as the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Community System Strengthening (C19RM and CSS) Grant Coordinator, stressed the need for community ownership of projects.
He said the C19RM and CSS project executed most desirable projects in Bodinga, Shagari, Sokoto North, Dange Shuni and Gwadabawa Local Government Areas of the state.
While commending the state government for the recent recruitment of health workers, Sanusi suggested frequent refresher training for health workers for enhanced healthcare delivery.
He appealed to government and other relevant authorities to ensure adequate and timely provision of testing facilities and drugs in health facilities across the state.
On his part, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, lauded the state government for the release of the funds, especially in recognition of USA’s stance on halting HIV/AIDS support to the continent.
Umar-Jabbi said the temporary halt by the donors had heightened uncertainty among people living with HIV and those supporting the national response.
