From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Government, on Friday, launched two strategic document that would, expectedly, guide HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria, culminating in global target of achieving epidemic control and ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
The documents, National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (2023-2027) and the Sustainability Pathway for National HIV Response (2023-2030), in Nigeria, was developed by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) with inputs from different local and international partners involve in global HIV response.
Secretary to Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, launched the documents in Abuja, on Friday, as part of events to commemorate the 2023 World AIDS Day with the theme “Communities: Leadership to End AIDS by 2030”.
Dr. Akume who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chris Taaka, noted that the documents indicated a pivotal commitment towards the global target of epidemic control and ending HIV/AIDS by 2030, and beyond, with states providing leadership.
He encouraged state governments to study the documents so they can key into the sustainable HIV response agenda of the Federal Government.
He commended NACA for its commitment and leadership to end AIDS as a public health threat in Nigeria, adding that Federal Government was committed to ending AIDS by the year 2030, hence it will ensure that no one is left behind in improving access to HIV services across the country.
He recognized the invaluable contributions of communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “It’s within these communities that we have found resilience, determination, and the will to make a difference. The strength of these communities has propelled us towards achieving the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.”
He maintained that Nigeria aligns fully with global solidarity and shared responsibilities which requires all to view global health responses in a new way, adding that the President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, was committed to sustaining the initiative to treat more HIV patients annually using resources mobilized locally
“NACA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) recently launched a N62bn private sector-driven HIV/AIDS Trust Fund of Nigeria. It was a unique achievement for us. We call on the organized private sector to ensure private business community deliver on its pledge to support Government effort to achieve an HIV free generation where no baby is born with HIV in Nigeria.”
Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate, who was represented by Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, noted that Nigeria’s health system was built on effective Primary Health Care (PHC) system. “So, community engagement in the fight against HIV/AIDS crucial.”
Dr. Gambo Aliyu, the Director General of NACA, in his remarks, reaffirmed NACA’s commitment to the cause of achieving global target of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
He said that Nigeria has demonstrated tremendous capacity for HIV case identification at community level as was witnessed during the COVID-19 epidemic.
He promised that Nigeria will continue to make commendable progress towards achieving epidemic control necessary to end AIDS by 2030. “We are also mindful of the fact that ending AIDS comes with huge challenge of sustainability of the control.
“To overcome the challenge, Government of Nigeria, United States Government, UNAIDS and the Global Fund initiated alignment programme aimed at ensuring country ownership and sustainability of national response beyond 2030.
“As we remember those who died from AIDS, it is important to note that achieving AIDS-free society is possible if we join hands to demand for HIV services, support persons infected to access services and end all forms of stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS.”
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM), Hon. Amobi Ogah, in his remarks, sustained his push for improved local funding for HIV and health interventions in Nigeria.
He said: “We can’t continue to rely on foreign financial support to run our affairs, particularly health issues. So, there’s need for new approach to the issue of funding for health care interventions.”
He promised to champion a campaign for a law that will criminalize stigmatization and discrimination of HIV-infected persons, and also end the practice of demanding for HIV/AIDS result before employment.
National Coordinator, Network of People Living with AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Abdulkadir Ibrahim, in his remarks, appreciated NACA for making NEPWHAN a technical partner in HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria.
He suggested that effort is commenced that might culminate in the local production of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) for the benefit of HIV patients in Nigeria.