Lokoja: AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has called for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, particularly for HIV/AIDS and TB treatment, amid significant reductions in international donor funding. Mr. Steve Aborisade, the Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF-Nigeria, made the call during an advocacy meeting with the Kogi State House of Assembly on Wednesday in Lokoja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aborisade highlighted the progress made in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria and advocated for effective partnerships among implementing partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the government to mobilise local resources and sustain the gains achieved. He warned that without conscious efforts to allocate resources and sustain these gains, the country risks losing progress in HIV/AIDS and TB treatment.
Aborisade emphasized that the treatment programme is effective, yet there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS. He urged stakeholders and the government to prioritise HIV/AIDS and TB funding and avoid over-dependence on foreign donors. AHF and its partners are seeking support from the Kogi State House of Assembly to boost efforts against HIV/AIDS and TB through increased budgetary allocation.
The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, commended AHF’s efforts and pledged collaborative synergy. Represented by Hon. Usman Ochidi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, the speaker urged AHF and partners to engage the house during budget processes. He promised to use the legislative framework to draw support to the sector and advocate for increased funding, commending AHF’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and other public health concerns.
Other stakeholders at the meeting also urged government intervention through increased budgetary allocation to mitigate the impact of reduced international funding. These stakeholders include Hamza Aliyu, the Chairman of Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Amb. Muraina Ozovehe of RECEF, Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, Kogi State TB Programme Officer, and Dr. Yashim Ankint, the Senior Programme Officer at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Abuja, among others.
The event featured an award presentation to the speaker for his support toward addressing public health challenges.