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…As Global Funding Cuts Threaten Hard-Won Gains on World HIV Day
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, has issued a stark warning to the Federal Government: Nigeria must urgently begin local production of HIV drugs and commodities or risk a major national setback.
Speaking in a statement on Monday, 1 December 2025, to mark World HIV Day, themed “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” Ezeh said the country can no longer rely heavily on donor funding—especially following recent funding cuts from the United States.
“The recent cut in support from the United States Government should be a wake-up call to the Federal Government,” he said. “Nigeria needs decisive action, stronger policy commitment and significant local investment to protect the gains we have made.”
Ezeh noted that while Nigeria’s HIV response has shown “historic resilience,” the changing global landscape demands new strategies.
“Today’s geopolitical shifts and funding uncertainties mean we must rethink, rebuild and rise with fresh, evidence-based approaches, powered by innovation and multi-sectoral collaboration,” he stressed.
He underscored the urgent need for action with alarming figures:
“In 2023 alone, Nigeria recorded an estimated 1,400 new HIV infections and 50,000 AIDS-related deaths each week, with 1.9 million Nigerians currently living with HIV.”
Three Key Demands to Save Nigeria’s HIV Response
Ezeh outlined critical steps the government must take immediately:
Approve long-acting injectable HIV treatment.
He urged authorities to greenlight Cabotegravir 600mg and Rilpivirine 900mg for eligible patients, saying long-acting injectables will ease pill burden and significantly improve adherence.
Deepen collaboration with community pharmacists.
Ezeh said community pharmacies already form the backbone of HIV testing, counselling and ARV refills. Stronger integration, he added, will improve case finding, treatment continuity and reliable national data reporting.
Invest in local manufacturing of HIV commodities.
He called for government-backed production of antiretrovirals, diagnostic kits and other consumables to reduce dependence on international donors and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Ezeh closed with a message of solidarity:
“As we mark World HIV Day, we stand firmly with all people living with HIV and appreciate every stakeholder committed to ending the epidemic. Let today inspire renewed action and collective responsibility.”
The ACPN statement places community pharmacists at the centre of Nigeria’s HIV response, warning that without local manufacturing and stronger local investment, the nation risks losing critical progress made over the years.
