The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has advocated for increased Budgetary allocation to the health sector, especially to HIV and TB, in the face of major reductions in international donors’ funding, limiting the support available for both HIV/AIDS and TB.
Mr. Steve Aborisade, who is the Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF-Nigeria, made the demand on Tuesday during an advocacy meeting with the leadership of the Kogi state House of Assembly, in Lokoja.
The Advocacy and Marketing Manager noted the many gains that have been recorded in the treatment of HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria and suggested that what is needed now is increased collaboration between the Implementing Partners (IPs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the government, to guarantee increased local resource mobilisation for HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB).
According to Aborisade, this is the only way to sustain the gains that have been made and mitigate the resultant impact of reduced funding by some international donor agencies.
Mr. Aborisade noted that there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, but that the treatment program is working and is very effective.
“Unless stakeholders and government make conscious efforts to warehouse local resources to HIV/AIDS and TB, we stand the risk of losing the gains that have been accomplished,” he said.
He said, AHF and her partners are in the Kogi State House of Assembly to solicit the support of parliamentarians to ensure that the effort against HIV/AIDS and TB in the state gets the needed boost through increased budgetary allocation.
According to him, it has become expedient for Nigeria and other governments in Africa to pick up the gauntlet and bridge the gaps that may exist with the reduction in foreign donor support.
He added that AHF has made a case to the Legislative arm of government to ensure that the state subsequently earmarks adequate resources to the effort against HIV/AIDS and TB.
He disclosed that AHF has its presence in 50 countries globally, and provides services in 14 African states, including Nigeria, while they work in 7 states in Nigeria, providing HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.
He charged governments at all levels to prioritize HIV and TB treatment and avoid over-dependency on foreign donors.
Responding, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf commended the effort of the coalition of the NGO and pledged to a collaborative synergy.
The speaker noted that the interaction with the organisation and their CSOs partners has shed insight on the issue and tasked AHF and her partners to engage the House of Assembly during the Budgetary processes. He promised to use the legislative framework to draw support for the sector.
The speaker, was represented by Hon. Usman Ochidi, chairman, House committee on Health, challenges the NGO and their partners to avail themselves during the budget defence to make useful contributions to the progressive increments in budgetary allocation to the sector.
The speaker urged members of the National Assembly to use the legislative framework to inspire the Federal Government to ensure that the budget for the Health Sector is not only approved, but it is timely released.
While speaking on World Tuberculosis Day, the lawmaker called for massive Sensitisation and awareness of the people on the effect of TB and how relevant agencies are fighting to stem the scourge.
He commended AHF for its commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and other public health concerns and its promise to remain supportive of the body in the effort against the pandemic.
In their separate speeches, the Chairman of KONGONET and INGRA, Hamza, Aliyu, Ambassador Muraina Ozovehe, Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, the Kogi state Program Officer for TB, leprosy, and burili ulcer, Dr. Murna Yashim Ankint, and the senior Program Officer of Human Virology Abuja, call for government intervention through massive Budgetary allocation to the public health sector to mitigate the withdrawal of multinational donors.
Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of an award to the speaker for his unrelenting support for the fight against public health challenges.