AHF seeks lawmakers' backing to boost HIV/AIDS funding

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has called for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, particularly for HIV/AIDS and TB treatment, amid significant reductions in international donor funding. Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF-Nigeria, Steve Aborisade, made the call during an advocacy meeting with the Kogi State House of Assembly on Wednesday in Lokoja. Aborisade highlighted the progress made in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria and advocated for effective partnerships. He emphasised the need for collaboration between implementing partners, civil society organisations, and the government to mobilise local resources and sustain the gains made. Aborisade warned that without conscious efforts to allocate local resources, the gains made, and the country risks losing progress achieved in HIV/AIDS and TB treatment. “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. Aborisade urged stakeholders and government at all levels to prioritise HIV/AIDS and TB funding, and avoid over-dependency 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 emphasised Nigeria’s and other African governments’ need to bridge funding gaps left by international donors. The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Yusuf, commended AHF’s efforts and pledged collaborative synergy. Represented by Usman Ochidi, Chairman, House Committee on Health, the speaker urged AHF and partners to engage with the House during budget processes. He promised to use the legislative framework to draw support to the sector and advocate for increased funding. He commended AHF’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and other public health concerns and its promise to remain supportive against the pandemic. Other stakeholders at the meeting urged government intervention through increased budgetary allocation to mitigate the impact of reduced international funding. They include Hamza Aliyu, Chairman Kogi NGOs’ Network (KONGONET), Amb Muraina Ozovehe of RECEF; Komolafe Rotimi, Kogi State TB Program Officer and Dr Yashim Ankint, Senior Program Officer, Human Virology, Abuja, among others. The event featured presenting an award to the Speaker, recognising his unwavering support for addressing public health challenges. HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, targeting CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell crucial for immunity). If left untreated, HIV can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the most severe stage of the infection, where the immune system becomes severely weakened. HIV is transmitted through certain bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common routes of transmission are unprotected sexual contact and sharing needles or other sharp instruments.