AHF Nigeria Advocates for Enhanced Health Sector Funding on World TB Day
In a significant move to address public health challenges, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has called for increased budgetary allocations to the health sector, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) programs. This appeal comes amid a backdrop of declining financial support from international donors, threatening the sustainability of critical healthcare initiatives.
Urgent Call for Domestic Resource Mobilization
During an advocacy meeting held on Tuesday with the leadership of the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja, Mr. Steve Aborisade, Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager at AHF Nigeria, emphasized the necessity for stronger collaboration among implementing partners, civil society organizations, and government entities at all levels. He highlighted the substantial progress achieved in HIV/AIDS treatment across Nigeria but warned that without deliberate efforts to mobilize local resources, the gains made could be jeopardized.
"Unless stakeholders and government make deliberate efforts to mobilise local resources for HIV/AIDS and TB, we risk losing the gains already achieved," Aborisade stated. He explained that AHF and its partners engaged the state legislature to seek support in bolstering efforts against these diseases through improved budgetary provisions. The organization operates in 50 countries globally, including 14 in Africa, and is currently active in seven states in Nigeria, providing essential HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.
Legislative Response and Commitments
In response, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, commended AHF and its partners for their dedication. Represented by Usman Ochidi, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, the Speaker pledged continued collaboration and encouraged active participation in budget defence sessions to advocate for increased allocations to the health sector. He assured that the legislature would utilize its framework to attract more support and urged members of the National Assembly to ensure timely release of approved health budgets.
On World Tuberculosis Day, the lawmaker also called for intensified public sensitization and awareness campaigns on TB, alongside strengthened efforts by relevant agencies to combat the disease. He praised AHF for its commitment to tackling HIV/AIDS and other public health issues, reaffirming legislative support for these initiatives.
Stakeholder Endorsements and Awards
During the meeting, stakeholders including representatives from KONGONET and INGRA, as well as Ambassador Muraina Ozovehe, Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, and Dr. Murna Yashim Ankint of the Institute of Human Virology, echoed the call for increased government intervention. They stressed the need for enhanced budgetary allocations to mitigate the impact of reduced donor funding. The event culminated in the presentation of an award to the Speaker in recognition of his sustained support for public health efforts.
This advocacy underscores a critical shift towards greater domestic funding reliance to sustain healthcare advancements in Nigeria, as international aid continues to wane.
