By Justina Auta
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has assured Nigerians, especially Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) of an uninterrupted supply of antiretroviral drugs across the country.
Its Director-General, Dr Temitope Ilori, gave the assurance in a statement, on Wednesday in Abuja, following recent global concerns raised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on potential drug shortages.
Ilori said the Federal Government had proactively implemented measures to ensure the availability of HIV treatment nationwide.
“The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.07 billion to finance the healthcare sector reforms, under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme, and also approved N4.8 billion for HIV treatment.
“The Nigerian Senate also recently allocated an additional N300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget,” she said.
According to her, the allocations are part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of the U.S. government’s aid pause and bridge the immediate funding gap.
While acknowledging the U.S. government’s support and partnership over the past two decades, Ilori described the pause as an opportunity to mobilise resources, take ownership, and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response in the country.
“We want to assure Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that there is no shortage of drugs and consumables, and no immediate stop of services for HIV treatment, testing and prevention in Nigeria.
“Our treatment centres and pharmacies will continue to have sufficient antiretroviral drugs, ensuring uninterrupted access to care,” she said.
Ilori, therefore, reiterated the commitment of NACA to the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensuring that all Nigerians had access to quality HIV prevention, treatment, and care services.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesu, at a recent conference, said the pause in U.S. foreign aid has “substantially disrupted” the supply of HIV treatments in eight countries, including Nigeria.
Ghebreyesu listed other countries including Haiti, Kenya; Lesotho; South Sudan; Burkina Faso; Mali; and Ukraine, which could soon run out of these life-saving medicines.
He said that the disruptions to HIV programmes could undo 20 years of progress, and may lead to over 10 million new HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths.
It will be recalled that President Donald Trump, shortly after taking office in January, directed a 90-day halt on foreign aid to other countries.
NAN
