By Stephen Adeleye
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, AHF-Nigeria, made the call during an advocacy meeting with Kogi State House of Assembly on Wednesday in Lokoja.
He highlighted the progress made in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria and advocated effective partnership among implementing partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the government to mobilise local resources and sustain the gains made.
Aborisade warned that “without conscious efforts to allocate resources and sustain gains made, the country risks losing progress achieved in HIV/AIDS and TB treatment.
“Treatment programme is working and it 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 so far accomplished.”
The senior advocacy and marketing manager urged stakeholders and government at all levels to prioritise HIV/AIDS and TB funding, and avoid over dependence 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.
He 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, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, commended AHF’s efforts and pledged collaborative synergy.
Represented by Hon. Usman Ochidi, the Chairman, 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 increased funding.
He commended AHF’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and other public health concerns and promised to remain supportive.
Other stakeholders at the meeting also urged government intervention through increased budgetary allocation to mitigate the impact of reduced international funding.
They include Hamza Aliyu, the Chairman, 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, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Abuja, among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured award presentation to the speaker for his support toward addressing public health challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
