Nigeria approves N4.8bn for HIV treatment as part of healthcare reforms, ensuring continued access to life-saving medication despite funding concerns

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment packs over the next four months.

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The move is part of broader healthcare reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, announced the approval on Monday after the Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

“As part of broader healthcare reforms, the Council approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months,” Pate stated.

Beyond the HIV treatment investment, the FEC also approved $1.07 billion under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme to reform the healthcare sector.

Pate explained that the initiative aligns with the administration’s agenda to strengthen human capital development by enhancing primary healthcare services and governance.

“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” the minister added.

Of the total funding, $500 million will go towards improving primary healthcare services, including emergency maternal and child health interventions.

“This initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing life-saving treatment and reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable populations,” Pate noted.

Nigeria continues to face significant HIV-related challenges, with an estimated two million people currently living with the virus.

A new survey by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) revealed that Nigeria has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.3%, the highest in West and Central Africa.

The country relies heavily on international support to sustain its HIV/AIDS response.

The Nigerian government’s commitment to funding HIV treatment comes at a critical time, following the recent executive order by former US President Donald Trump to halt HIV/AIDS funding for at least 90 days pending a review.

The funding, provided under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has been instrumental in supplying HIV treatment and testing kits to Nigeria.

The suspension raised concerns about drug availability and a potential increase in HIV-related deaths.

However, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, later approved an Emergency Humanitarian Waiver, ensuring that people living with HIV can continue accessing treatment in 55 countries, including Nigeria.

The FEC’s approval of N4.8 billion for HIV treatment aims to mitigate potential shortages and ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving medication.