The new data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) presents a grim picture of Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2023 alone, the country recorded 75,000 new HIV infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths, signaling an alarming surge in the epidemic. This highlights significant lapses in the national response to the disease, indicating that Nigeria is lagging behind in the global push to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030. This not only risks public health but also the socioeconomic stability of the country, especially in the context of Target 3.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seeks to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases by that year.
In response to these challenges, the House of Representatives committee on AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria (ATM) has proposed that one percent of the consolidated revenue fund (CRF) be allocated to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, leprosy, and malaria. Amobi Ogah, chairman of the committee, emphasized the importance of this allocation during a retreat titled ‘Leadership for sustainability of the HIV response: The role of the Legislature’ in Lagos. He believes that dedicating one percent of the CRF to combat these diseases would reduce dependency on foreign grants and donors, providing a more sustainable approach to the country’s response. Ogah also reiterated the committee’s commitment to providing strong leadership for a sustained HIV response through collaboration with stakeholders.
Furthermore, there is a pressing need to address the stigmatization of persons living with HIV or Tuberculosis in Nigeria. Residents of Ogun State have been urged to stop the stigmatization of affected individuals and instead support and encourage them. Akinpele Tayo, the State’s COVID-19 project program officer, emphasized the correlation between the prevalence of HIV, TB, and malaria with poverty. He highlighted the vulnerability of the poorest communities due to their lack of access to adequate health facilities, information, and quality education. While TB treatment is free, Tayo highlighted the hidden out-of-pocket costs that may make treatment unaffordable, including transportation to clinics. This underscores the need for a multilayered approach to tackle the diseases, especially in the context of addressing poverty and inadequate healthcare access in vulnerable communities.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s battle against HIV/AIDS presents numerous challenges, including the surge in new infections and HIV-related deaths, funding dependency on foreign grants, and stigmatization of affected individuals. However, proposed solutions such as the allocation of one percent of the CRF to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, leprosy, and malaria, along with the call to end stigmatization and provide support to affected individuals, offer a glimmer of hope in the country’s fight against these diseases. It is imperative for Nigeria to adopt a comprehensive approach, encompassing healthcare, social support, and sustainable financing, to effectively combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and work towards achieving the SDG target by 2030.
