The Network of People Living With HIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has expressed excitement over the N100.6 million allocation by the Sokoto State Government for HIV/AIDS kits and consumables.
Yahaya Sanusi, NEPWHAN Programme Officer, made the disclosure during a media engagement on Thursday in Sokoto.
Sanusi described the allocation as a landmark achievement, crediting advocacy efforts by NEPWHAN with government institutions and other stakeholders.
“This will ease the anxiety created 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.
He called for increased community participation, stronger institutional partnerships, and greater citizen ownership of healthcare development programmes across Sokoto State.
Sanusi highlighted NEPWHAN’s contributions through global fund interventions, which include constructing and rehabilitating healthcare facilities and providing a wide range of services that improved healthcare access across the state.
He also serves as the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Community System Strengthening (C19RM and CSS) Grant Coordinator and emphasized the need for community ownership of such projects. He noted that the C19RM and CSS project had implemented key initiatives in Bodinga, Shagari, Sokoto North, Dange Shuni, and Gwadabawa LGAs.
While commending the state government for the recent recruitment of health workers, Sanusi recommended frequent refresher training to enhance healthcare delivery. He also urged authorities to ensure timely provision of testing facilities and drugs across all health facilities in the state.
Speaking separately, the District Head of Gagi, Sani Umar-Jabbi, praised the state government for releasing the funds, especially in light of the temporary halt of HIV/AIDS support by the United States.
“The pause by foreign donors heightened uncertainties among people living with HIV and those supporting the national response,” he said.
