Foundation Calls For Stronger Investment In HIV, TB Programmes In Benue

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for increased government investment in HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) programmes in Benue State, warning that shrinking donor support could undermine years of progress in combating the diseases.

The organisation made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Alfred Emberga, in Makurdi.

Speaking during the visit, AHF Nigeria’s Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Mr Steve Aborisade, urged lawmakers to support higher budgetary allocations to the health sector, particularly programmes targeting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

According to him, the gradual decline in international donor funding has heightened the need for stronger domestic financing to sustain treatment, prevention and care services.

Aborisade noted that Benue State has recorded significant progress in reducing HIV prevalence and preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus through sustained interventions by government and development partners.

“Every day in our clinics, children are born HIV-free despite their mothers being HIV-positive. This demonstrates that the treatment and prevention measures currently in place are working effectively,” he said.

The AHF official stressed that sustaining such gains would require greater commitment from government and local stakeholders to bridge emerging funding gaps.

He also announced plans by the organisation to begin the administration of Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) designed to prevent HIV infection.

Aborisade disclosed that the drug had already been introduced in Benue State and that health workers would soon undergo training on its administration.

He described Lenacapavir as a major breakthrough in HIV prevention, noting that it requires only two injections annually and has proven highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV transmission.

According to him, the injection offers additional protection for HIV-negative individuals, especially those whose partners are living with the virus.

“If an HIV-negative person whose partner is HIV-positive receives the injection twice a year, the risk of contracting HIV is significantly reduced,” he said.

Aborisade further urged policymakers to prioritise funding for HIV and TB programmes, noting that both diseases remain major public health challenges and often occur together.

Responding, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Alfred Emberga, described the advocacy visit as timely and commended AHF for its contributions to healthcare delivery in the state.

He assured the delegation that the legislature would continue to support policies and initiatives aimed at improving public health and strengthening healthcare services.

Emberga also pledged to engage Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on the need for increased investment in healthcare, expressing confidence that the state government would continue to prioritise the wellbeing of citizens through improved health programmes and interventions.