.Commends Kogi Assembly for partnership

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has called for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, particularly for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), amid declining support from international donors.

Mr. Steve Aborisade, Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF Nigeria, made the call on Tuesday during an advocacy meeting with the leadership of the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja.

Aborisade noted the significant progress recorded in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria, stressing that sustained success would depend on stronger collaboration among implementing partners, civil society organisations (CSOs), and government at all levels. He emphasised the need for increased domestic resource mobilisation for HIV/AIDS and TB programmes.

According to him, this approach is critical to sustaining existing gains and mitigating the impact of reduced funding from international donor agencies.

He further noted that although there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, available treatment programmes remain highly effective.

“Unless stakeholders and government make deliberate efforts to mobilise local resources for HIV/AIDS and TB, we risk losing the gains already achieved,” he said.

Aborisade explained that AHF and its partners engaged the state legislature to solicit support in strengthening efforts against HIV/AIDS and TB through improved budgetary provisions.

He added that it has become imperative for Nigeria and other African countries to bridge funding gaps created by dwindling foreign donor support.

The AHF official disclosed that the organisation operates in 50 countries globally, including 14 in Africa, and is currently active in seven states in Nigeria, providing HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.

He urged governments at all levels to prioritise HIV and TB interventions and reduce dependence on foreign aid.
Responding, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, commended the efforts of AHF and its partners and pledged continued collaboration.

Represented by Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Usman Ochidi, the Speaker said the engagement had provided valuable insights and encouraged AHF and its partners to actively participate in budget defence sessions to support increased allocations to the health sector.

He assured that the legislature would utilise its framework to attract more support to the sector.

The Speaker also urged members of the National Assembly to leverage legislative mechanisms to ensure that budgetary allocations to the health sector are not only approved but promptly released.

Speaking on World Tuberculosis Day, the lawmaker called for intensified public sensitisation and awareness campaigns on TB, as well as strengthened efforts by relevant agencies to combat the disease.

He commended AHF for its commitment to tackling HIV/AIDS and other public health challenges and pledged continued legislative support.

In separate remarks, stakeholders including representatives of KONGONET and INGRA, as well as Ambassador Muraina Ozovehe, Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, and Dr. Murna Yashim Ankint of the Institute of Human Virology, called for increased government intervention through enhanced budgetary allocation to cushion the impact of dwindling donor support.

The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of an award to the Speaker in recognition of his sustained support for efforts to address public health challenges.