HIV/AIDS: Despite Donors Funding Cut, NACA Assures Of Sufficient Drugs

Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, has assured on sufficient antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, even as efforts are ongoing to procure more with support from the federal government and development partners.

The director general noted that while significant progress had been made in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response over the years, there is now a need to consolidate on those gains and ensure sustainability.

“We have come a long way in terms of progress, and now it is time for us to consolidate that progress. We have to do this together as a country,” she said.

Dr. Ilori also addressed recent public concerns over a rumored shortage of HIV/AIDS drugs, reassuring citizens that there is no cause for alarm.

“I wish to tell every Nigerian and allay the fears of everyone that we have enough ARV drugs, and we are also making efforts to procure more through the support of the federal government and our partners,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of collective national ownership and continued commitment from all stakeholders, including government, civil society and the private sector to ensure that those living with HIV/AIDS continue to access lifesaving treatment without interruption.

Also, the National Secretary of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Mr. Nicholas Ugbenyen, told LEADERSHIP that there is currently no scarcity of ARVs across treatment centres nationwide.

“The situation in the country as of today is that we don’t have a shortage of ARV. There is no shortage of drugs in the country. The earlier reports about ARV shortage are not true, it was just a rumour,” he stated.

His remarks came amid concerns raised about possible disruptions in HIV/AIDS treatment due to alleged drug stock-outs. He assured people living with HIVAIDS and the general public that the supply chain remains intact presently, and that those on treatment have continued access to their medications.

Nigeria has about 1.9 million people living with HIV, and access to ARVs remains a critical component of efforts to achieve epidemic control and meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.