HIV/AIDS Treatment: NACA Celebrates Progress, Tells Need To Sustain National Response
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) announced that out of an estimated two million Nigerians who are living with HIV, about 1.7 million are receiving treatment. NACA’s Director-General, Temitope Ilori, shared this milestone at a retreat in Lagos titled: “Leadership for the Sustainability of the HIV Response: The Role of the Legislature,” organized for the House of Representatives Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM).
Ilori also highlighted the importance of transitioning from donor-dependent funding to a sustainable, nationally-owned response. “It’s time we start talking about ownership and sustainability,” she said, emphasizing the goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030. The retreat underscored the critical role of legislative support in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with a new business model leveraging both national and subnational structures to sustain and coordinate the national response.
Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Nigeria Country Director, praised the progress in reducing new HIV infections but stressed the need for greater legislative support and increased health budget allocations. “We need political and financial courage to end AIDS by 2030,” Zekeng stated while also emphasizing the urgency of enhanced legislative involvement.
Amobi Ogah, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, proposed dedicating 1% of the consolidated revenue to fighting HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. Ogah advocated for a strong and sustained legislative response, highlighting the key role of legislators in securing resources and fostering collaboration. “With an estimated annual need of $8 billion, legislators play a crucial role in securing resources to combat HIV & AIDS,” Ogah said. He also recommended restructuring NACA into a multi-sector agency to manage resources more effectively.
Ogah emphasized the need for robust budgetary allocations and community involvement in program development to ensure ownership and understanding. He reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring that funds budgeted for HIV response are used appropriately and pledged to address the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV. “We will revisit the HIV & AIDS Anti-Discrimination Bill to enforce zero tolerance to stigma and discrimination,” Ogah added.
Ilori concluded by highlighting the progress made over the past 20 years, with a significant reduction in mother-to-child transmission rates. She called for greater government ownership of the HIV program, stressing the need for innovative approaches and legislative support to sustain the HIV response.
The retreat marked a significant step in fostering the commitment of Nigerian legislators to the ownership and sustainability of the HIV response, ensuring a robust and effective coordination and oversight mechanism.
NACA remains committed to achieving global health goals and improving public health in Nigeria, demonstrating the country’s dedication to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
