FG dismisses WHO report on stock-out of essential HIV drugs

• Approves N2b for states, LGs, 8,000 PHCs
• NACA assures on steady supply of HIV drugs

The Federal Government has debunked reports credited to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which revealed that Nigeria, among seven other countries, is running out of essential Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) medications.

However, the government approved the disbursement of N2 billion to the states, local councils and more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) to support the expansion of primary healthcare, expansion of the vulnerable fund to ensure women and children get access to quality healthcare.

The disbursement is also expected to help vulnerable Nigerians access emergency medical treatment and ambulances scheme.

Also, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) reassured Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that the country has a steady supply of antiretroviral drugs.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee for Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, yesterday, in Abuja, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, disclosed that Nigeria had commodities in warehouses, adding that the government was moving towards direct, as well as emergency, procurement of commodities using the resources at its disposal.

Pate noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provided resources to enable the country to bridge the gap created as a result of the United States funding cut.

He said, “We have seen reports of external agencies from Geneva making reports that there are imminent stock-outs. Our analysis shows that there is no imminent stock-out. We are trying to live within our means, and it will not be appropriate for Geneva-based organisations, which do not know much of our context and the efforts our government is making.”

“At this point, there are commodities in warehouses, and even the U.S. government has issued waivers; so, we know that treatment will continue. However, we have to double up, so that we can procure quickly with our resources. We just have to procure from countries that are more like us, use our resources, not a large amount of resources that comes from external sources.”

The minister noted that the government, through the BHCPF, is supporting the expansion of primary healthcare and the expansion of vulnerable group funds to ensure that women and children get access to quality healthcare for emergency medical treatment and ambulances scheme, as well as through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), controlling disease outbreaks that are prevalent in the country.

IN a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, the Director-General of NACA, Temitope Ilori, said the Federal Government had taken proactive measures to address the potential shortage of HIV drugs in the country.

She noted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.07 billion to finance the healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme and N4.8 billion for HIV treatment.

Ilori added that the Senate also allocated an additional N300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget, stressing that the allocations were part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of the U.S. government’s aid pause and close the immediate funding gap.

“While acknowledging the U.S. government’s support and partnership over the past two decades, the Nigerian government sees this pause as an opportunity to mobilise resources, take ownership and ensure the sustainability of HIV response in the country.

“We want to assure Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that there is no shortage of drugs and consumables, and no immediate stop of services for HIV treatment, testing and prevention in Nigeria. Our treatment centres and pharmacies will continue to have sufficient anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs, ensuring uninterrupted access to care. NACA remains committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality HIV prevention, treatment and care services,” he added.