The federal government has unveiled a new National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) 2026–2030 as part of efforts to sustain the HIV response and the gains made over the years in the country amid dwindling donor funding.
New Strategic Framework
The new strategic framework, which prioritises legislative financing, health insurance expansion, and integration of HIV services into primary healthcare systems, seeks to transition from donor-supported interventions to a domestically financed and government-led HIV/AIDS response.
NACA Director-General's Remarks
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori, said Nigeria’s HIV response had reached a critical point that requires a strategic reset in line with emerging realities. She noted that Nigeria has recorded significant progress in the fight against HIV over the past two decades, including reductions in new infections and improved treatment access, but noted that the changing global and financial landscape demanded a new approach.
Ilori stated that with declining external funding and fragmented programme structures, it has become necessary for the country to adopt a government-led and government-owned response model. She observed that the new strategic plan represents a recalibration rather than a replacement of the existing framework and aligns Nigeria’s response with emerging evidence and global priorities.
She said, “This new Strategic Plan reflects lessons learned from implementation, new evidence from the National HIV Estimates and the need to reposition the response in a rapidly changing global environment.”
Ilori added that the plan was developed through extensive consultations involving government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, private sector actors and community networks. The NACA boss pointed out that the strategic plan prioritises the integration of HIV services into national systems across sectors, including health, education, youth development, gender and justice.
“This Strategic Plan calls on all stakeholders to renew their commitment and work collectively to achieve a resilient, equitable, and sustainable HIV response for Nigeria,” she added.
Deputy Director's Presentation
Presenting the framework, NACA’s Deputy Director of Policy, Planning and Coordination, Mariam Ezekwe, said that the country has made substantial gains in reducing infections and expanding access to treatment, but stressed that the next phase must focus on sustainability and stronger system integration.
Ezekwe outlined some of the gains the country has recorded, stressing that the nation’s HIV response still faced structural weaknesses in financing and service delivery. She said, “Fifty-two per cent reduction in new infections since 2010, and just about 80 per cent of People Living with HIV/AIDS know their status in 2025. These are the latest data from the Spectrum estimate. And currently we have an estimated 1,985,284 people living with HIV/AIDS.”
Ezekwe added that the NSP prioritises legislative financing, health insurance expansion, and integration of HIV services into primary healthcare systems.
Global Fund Representative's Comments
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund, Tajudeen Ibrahim, said Nigeria’s transition strategy extends beyond enrolling people living with HIV into health insurance schemes and includes strengthening systems capable of sustaining HIV financing after donor support declines.
Ibrahim stated that governments at various levels were already committing resources to HIV programmes, but weak tracking and reporting mechanisms made it difficult to determine the full extent and impact of domestic investments.
