Federal Government has urged states to take ownership of HIV response in their locality by ramping up domestic response and funding to achieve 2030 target of ending transmission and deaths.
It noted this has become imperative because, while HIV and AIDS response delivery architecture, especially at states, is reliant on non-state actors/implementing partners with limited ownership by state actors, donor partners are beginning to get fatigued, and funding may stop soon.
Director-General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Gambo Aliyu, spoke in Abuja during NACA/SACA National alignment meeting.
He said: “The National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan 2023-2027 is now finalised, the Global Fund NFM4 Funding Request was submitted with grant making negotiation ongoing; the Alignment 2.0 now crystalised into New HIV Business Model nearing finalisation by stakeholders and then the National Sustainability Agenda.
“With the changing funding landscape and eminent donor funds withdrawal, there is need to change the way we do business. The government even at state levels provides us with the opportunity to re-engage with political leaders and mobilise funds for the response.
“This, we must do, as the goal of ending HIV and AIDS related deaths by 2030 would remain a dream, unless states take greater ownership.”
Alabi Babajide, Project manager and executive secretary of Kwara State AIDS Control Agency (KWASACA), called for better coordination between national and sub-national levels.
“I’m sure a lot is being done to ensure the sub-national has a role to play in the HIV Trust Fund. As we move towards the last mile, both must work in tandem to make sure the HIV response in Nigeria is fought to finish.”
credit :The Nation.
