The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has urged increased funding for the health sector, particularly for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis treatment, following a decline in international donor support.
This appeal was made by AHF-Nigeria’s Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, during an advocacy meeting with the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Aborisade acknowledged the progress recorded in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria and stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships.
He called for closer collaboration among implementing partners, civil society organisations, and government agencies to mobilise local resources and sustain existing achievements.
Aborisade cautioned that failure to prioritise local funding could reverse the gains already made in combating HIV/AIDS and TB.
“The treatment program is working and is very effective, but there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS.
“Unless stakeholders and government make conscious efforts to warehouse local resources to HIV/AIDS and TB, we stand the risk of losing the gains that have been accomplished,” he said.
He further appealed to stakeholders at all levels to prioritise funding for HIV/AIDS and TB programmes and reduce reliance on foreign donors.
“AHF and its partners are seeking the Kogi State House of Assembly’s support to boost efforts against HIV/AIDS and TB through increased budgetary allocation,” he said.
Aborisade also stressed the need for Nigeria and other African countries to address funding gaps created by declining donor contributions.
Responding, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Yusuf, praised AHF’s efforts and pledged support.
Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Usman Ochidi, the Speaker encouraged continued engagement with lawmakers, especially during budget discussions.
He assured that the legislative framework would be used to attract support and push for increased funding in the health sector.
Other stakeholders at the meeting also called for greater government intervention through improved budgetary allocation to cushion the effects of reduced international funding.
Participants included Hamza Aliyu, Chairman of Kogi NGOs’ Network (KONGONET); Amb Muraina Ozovehe of RECEF; Komolafe Rotimi, Kogi State TB Programme Officer; and Dr Yashim Ankint, Senior Programme Officer, Human Virology, Abuja.
The event also featured the presentation of an award to the Speaker in recognition of his support for addressing public health challenges.
