By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), following significant reductions in international donor funding.

The Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Mr. Steve Aborisade, made the appeal during an advocacy meeting with the leadership of the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja.

Aborisade,  in a statement, acknowledged the substantial progress made in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria over the years but stressed the need for stronger collaboration among implementing partners, civil society organisations (CSOs), and government at all levels to sustain these gains.

He noted that enhanced local resource mobilisation is critical to mitigating the impact of dwindling foreign support.

According to him, without deliberate efforts by stakeholders and government to invest more domestic resources in HIV/AIDS and TB programmes, the country risks reversing the progress already achieved.

“There is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, but treatment programmes have proven to be highly effective. However, unless conscious steps are taken to mobilise local resources, we risk losing the gains recorded so far,” Aborisade said.

He explained that AHF and its partners were engaging the Kogi State legislature to secure the support of lawmakers in boosting funding for HIV/AIDS and TB interventions through increased budgetary provisions.

Aborisade further urged Nigeria and other African countries to take greater responsibility for their public health financing, particularly in light of the gradual withdrawal of multinational donor agencies.

He disclosed that AHF operates in 50 countries globally, including 14 in Africa, and currently provides HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in seven states across Nigeria.

In his response, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mr. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, commended AHF and its partners for their efforts and pledged the Assembly’s support for improved healthcare delivery in the state.

Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Usman Ochidi, the Speaker said the engagement had provided valuable insights and encouraged AHF and its partners to actively participate in the state’s budget processes, particularly during budget defence sessions.

He assured that the Assembly would leverage its legislative framework to attract greater support for the health sector, while also urging members of the National Assembly to advocate for timely approval and release of funds for healthcare at the federal level.

Speaking in commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day, the lawmaker called for intensified public sensitisation on TB, emphasizing the need for increased awareness of its impact and ongoing efforts to combat the disease.

He also commended AHF for its commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS and other public health challenges, pledging continued legislative support.

In separate remarks, stakeholders including the Chairman of KONGONET, Hamza Aliyu; Ambassador Muraina Ozovehe; Dr. Komolafe Rotimi; the Kogi State Programme Officer for TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer, Dr. Murna Yashim Ankint; and a Senior Programme Officer with the Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, reiterated the need for increased government funding to cushion the effects of declining donor support.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to the Speaker in recognition of his sustained support for efforts to address public health challenges in the state.