AHF seeks increased funding for HIV/AIDS, TB treatment

Nigeria's healthcare sector is facing significant challenges, particularly in funding for HIV/AIDS and TB treatment. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has been at the forefront of advocating for increased budgetary allocation to address these pressing issues.

AHF Nigeria's Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Mr Steve Aborisade, recently met with the Kogi State House of Assembly to push for more funding. He highlighted the progress made in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria and stressed the need for effective partnerships among implementing partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the government to mobilise local resources and sustain the gains made.

Aborisade warned that the country risks losing progress in HIV/AIDS and TB treatment unless stakeholders and government make conscious efforts to allocate resources and sustain gains. He also urged stakeholders and government to prioritise HIV/AIDS and TB funding, and avoid over dependence on foreign donors.

The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, commended AHF's efforts and pledged collaborative synergy. He promised to use the legislative framework to draw support to the sector and advocate increased funding.

Other stakeholders at the meeting also urged government intervention through increased budgetary allocation to mitigate the impact of reduced international funding.

The Kogi State House of Assembly's pledge to support increased funding for HIV/AIDS and TB treatment is a welcome development, but it's crucial that the government follows through on its commitments. The Speaker's promise to use the legislative framework to advocate for more funding is a step in the right direction, but the government must also take concrete actions to bridge the funding gaps left by international donors. The impact of reduced international funding on Nigeria's healthcare sector is already being felt, and it's essential that the government prioritises HIV/AIDS and TB funding to prevent a loss of progress in treatment.