Kehinde Fajobi
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), revealed plans to begin domestic production of HIV commodities, such as test kits and anti-retroviral drugs, before the end of the year.
She made this announcement in Ilorin while launching the Kwara Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatrics ART Acceleration Committee on Friday.
The move to produce HIV commodities locally is part of the government’s broader efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Other strategies include enrolling all individuals in the National Health Insurance Scheme, bolstering resources for states, increasing advocacy efforts, and supporting vaccine research and innovation.
Ilori noted that while progress has been made, the fight against HIV remains challenging.
She highlighted that the UNAIDS 2023 report showed approximately 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths annually.
However, PMTCT and paediatric HIV coverage remain below 33%, well short of the 95% target.
“The Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children was developed in 2021 with full financial support, yet coverage remains suboptimal,” Ilori stated.
In Kwara, the state’s HIV prevalence is 0.8%, below the national average of 1.4%, but disparities persist, with women (1.3%) more affected than men (0.4%).
Ilori called for targeted interventions in some local governments to further reduce prevalence rates, adding, “Achieving an AIDS-free generation is within reach, and no child should be born HIV-positive in Kwara State.”
The state government has expressed its commitment to the cause, with Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, who chairs the Kwara State AIDS Control Agency, assuring that the committee will meet its objectives.
Ilori also addressed concerns over the recent 90-day suspension of foreign aid, which has raised questions about the future of Nigeria’s HIV programme.
While relieved that HIV services were exempt, she stressed the need for government-led sustainability efforts, including integrating HIV services into the national health system and ensuring the timely release of funds for HIV programmes.
“Over the past few days, I have received numerous calls regarding the implications of the 90-day foreign aid suspension on our HIV programme.
“While we are relieved that HIV services remain exempt, this situation underscores the need for government-led sustainability efforts,” she said.
Finally, Ilori called for continued collaboration with partners, particularly in technical assistance, and empowering civil society to play a role in community service provision and advocacy.