Stakeholders Task Federal Gov’t, States On Integrated Approach To End HIV Prevalence

Stakeholders in the health sector have urged the federal and state governments to adopt an integrated health approach to eliminate HIV prevalence in Nigeria by 2030.

The stakeholders gave the advice yesterday at the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC Nigeria) ‘s 5th biannual stakeholders engagement, themed “Strategic Pivoting Towards Program Simplification and Sustainable Public Health Intervention,” in Abuja.

The CEO of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Andy Eyo highlighted the importance of simplifying health programmes to enable state governments to manage resources better and maximise impact.

He noted that a state like Abia is already demonstrating leadership in integrated health strategy by allocating 15 per cent of its budget to health, which includes a focus on HIV/AIDS.

“When we look at the core notes of this conference, which has to do with simplification, breaking down the program, making it less complex, so that the government can begin to take it in bits,” Eyo added.

He expressed optimism that with strong local commitment, Nigeria can end HIV/AIDS prevalence by 2030.

Eyo also urged the federal government to assume a leadership role at the national level, citing the CDC’s work and strategies as a model.

“The U.S. government has invested billions of U.S. dollars in Nigeria in improving the infrastructure, putting many of our patients on treatment. It is time for our country to take leadership,” Eyo stated.

Emphasising the critical role of integrated health services in improving overall healthcare delivery, Eyo said: “What we want to see is that truly 2030 is possible,” explaining that a holistic strategy is essential for ensuring that no one, particularly vulnerable groups, is left behind in the ongoing fight against HIV.

On her part, the assistant director at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Chioma Ukanwa, emphasised the importance of sustainable strategies in managing HIV/AIDS. She discussed the Nigeria Sustainability HIV Impact Project (NSHIP) and the government’s efforts over the past decade to achieve epidemic control.

“We have made a lot of progress. People are no longer dying,” she stated, highlighting the significant reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with HIV.

Ukanwa pointed out that the role of development partners has been crucial, but now the focus is shifting to empowering local entities to take over these efforts.