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By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has supported an increase in budgetary allocation to the health sector, particularly for HIV and tuberculosis, in the face of major reductions in international donor funding that limit available support for both HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
Mr Steve Aborisade, Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF-Nigeria, made the appeal during an advocacy meeting with the leadership of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Lokoja.
The Advocacy and Marketing Manager highlighted the many advances recorded in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria and suggested that what is needed now is greater collaboration between implementing partners (IPs), civil society organizations (CSOs) and government, to ensure greater mobilization of local resources against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB).
According to Aborisade, this is the only way to sustain the gains made and mitigate the resulting impact of reduced funding from some international donor agencies.
Mr. Aborisade stressed that there is no cure for HIV/AIDS yet, but that the treatment program works and is very effective.
“Unless stakeholders and government make conscious efforts to stockpile local resources for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, we run the risk of losing our gains,” he said.
He said: AHF and its partners are present in the Kogi State House of Assembly to solicit support from parliamentarians to ensure that HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis efforts in the state get the necessary boost through increased budgetary allocation.
According to him, it has become appropriate for Nigeria and other African governments to rise to the challenge and fill the gaps that may exist with the reduction of foreign donor support.
He added that the AHF has made a request to the legislative arm of government to ensure that the state subsequently allocates adequate resources to the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
He disclosed that AHF is present in 50 countries across the world and provides services in 14 African states, including Nigeria, while working in 7 states in Nigeria providing HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.
He charged governments at all levels to prioritize HIV and tuberculosis treatment and avoid excessive dependence on foreign donors.
In response, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf commended the effort of the NGO coalition and committed to collaborative synergy.
The speaker noted that the interaction with the organization and partner civil society organizations provided a better understanding of the issue and the task of AHF and its partners to engage the House of Assembly during budget processes. He promises to use the legislative framework to attract support for the sector.
The speaker was represented by the Hon. Usman Ochidi, Chairman of the House Health Committee, challenges NGOs and their partners to avail themselves during budget defense to provide useful contributions towards progressive increases in budgetary allocation for 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 released timely.
Speaking on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, the MP called for massive sensitization and awareness among people on the effects of tuberculosis and how relevant agencies are struggling to curb the scourge.
He praised the AHF for its commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and other public health problems and promised to continue supporting the body in the effort against the pandemic.
In their separate speeches, KONGONET and INGRA Chairman Hamza Aliyu, Ambassador Muraina Ozovehe, Kogi State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Burili Ulcer Program Manager Dr Komolafe Rotimi and Abuja Senior Human Virology Program Manager Dr Murna Yashim Ankint urge government intervention through massive budgetary allocation to the public health sector to mitigate donor withdrawal multinationals.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the award to the speaker for his tireless support in the fight against public health challenges.
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