A non-governmental organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, has urged the Benue State House of Assembly to push for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in the state.

The organisation expressed concern over dwindling donor support, warning that the situation could threaten gains recorded in tackling HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis across the state.

Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade, made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, in Makurdi yesterday.

Aborisade, who was accompanied by other officials of the organisation, also disclosed plans by AHF to commence the administration of Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) aimed at preventing HIV infection.

He said the drug had already been launched in Benue State, while preparations were ongoing to train health workers who would administer the injection.

According to him, the introduction of Lenacapavir represents a breakthrough in HIV prevention, especially for persons at high risk of infection.

He explained that the injection requires only two doses annually and has demonstrated high effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission.

Aborisade stressed that although significant progress had been made in reducing HIV prevalence and preventing mother-to-child transmission, sustaining the achievements would require stronger financial commitment from the government and local stakeholders.

He noted that AHF interventions in Benue had contributed significantly to ensuring that babies born to HIV-positive mothers are delivered free of the virus.

“Every day in our clinics, children are born HIV-free despite their mothers being positive. This shows that the treatment and preventive measures are working effectively,” he said.

He further stated that the newly introduced Lenacapavir injection offers additional protection, particularly for HIV-negative individuals whose partners are living with the virus.

“If an HIV-negative woman whose husband is HIV-positive takes the injection twice a year, her chances of contracting HIV are significantly reduced. We are making progress, but we are worried because donor funding is shrinking,” he added.

Responding, Emberga described the advocacy visit as timely and beneficial to the well-being of residents of the state.

The Speaker acknowledged the critical role of the legislature in budgetary matters and pledged to consult Governor Hyacinth Alia on the need for additional funding for the health sector.

He said the governor has demonstrated commitment to the wellbeing of citizens through policies and programmes aimed at addressing health challenges in the state.

While noting that implementation of the state’s 2026 budget had already reached the mid-year stage, Emberga expressed confidence that the governor would support efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve public health outcomes across Benue State.