In commemoration of World Tuberculosis day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has called for increased Budgetary allocation to tackle HIV, TB and mainly other dressers.
The call was necessary considering major reductions in international donors funding limiting the support available for both HIV/AIDS and TB.
Speaking on Tuesday during an advocacy meeting with the leadership of the Kogi state House of Assembly, in Lokoja, Mr. Steve Aborisade who is the Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF-Nigeria, spoke about Thr gains that have been recorded in the treatment of HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria and suggested that what is needed now is increased collaboration between the Implementing Partners (IPs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the government.
He said they need to guarantee increased local resource mobilisation to HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB).
“This is the only way to sustain the gains that has been made and mitigate the resultant impact of reduced funding by some international donor agencies.”
Speaking further, he said there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, but that the treatment program is working and is very effective.
“Unless stakeholders and government make conscious efforts to warehouse local resources to HIV/AIDS and TB, we stand the risk of loosing the gains that has been accomplished”, he said.
He said, AHF and her partners are in the Kogi State House of Assembly to solicit the support of parliamentarians to ensure that the effort against HIV/AIDS and TB in the state gets the needed boost through increased budgetary allocation.
According to him, it has become expedient for Nigeria and other governments in Africa to pick up the gauntlet and bridge the gaps that may exist with the reduction in foreign donors support.
He added that AHF has made a case to the Legislative arm of government to ensure that the state subsequently earmark adequate resources to the effort against HIV/AIDS and TB.
He disclosed that AHF has its presence in 50 countries globally, and provides services in 14 African states including Nigeria, while they work in 7 states in Nigeria providing HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.
He charged governments at all levels to prioritize HIV and TB treatment and avoid over dependency on foreign donors.
Responding, the Speaker, kogi state House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf commended the effort of the coalition of the NGO and pledged for a collaborative synergy.
The speaker noted that the interaction with organisation and their CSOs partners has shed insight on the issue and task AHF and her partners to engage the House of Assembly during the Budgetary processes. He promise to use the legislative framework to draw support to the sector.
The speaker was represented by Hon. Usman Ochidi, chairman, House committee on Health, challenges the NGO and their partners to avail themselves during the budget defence to make useful contributions to the progressive increments in budgetary allocation to the sector.
The speaker, urged members of National Assembly to use legislative framework to inspire the Federal Government to ensure that the budget for the Health Sector is not only approved but it is timely released.
While speaking on the world tuberculosis day , the Lawmaker call for massive Sensitisation and awareness of the people on the effect of TB and how relevant agencies are fighting to stem the scourge.
He commended AHF for the commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and other public health concerns and promise to remain supportive of the body in the effort against the pandemic.
In their separate speeches, the Chairman of KONGONET and INGRA,Hamza , Aliyu , Ambassador Muraina Ozovehe, Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, the Kogi state Program Officer for TB, leprosy and burili ulcer, , Dr. Murna Yashim Ankint, senior Program Officer of Human Virology Abuja, solicit for government intervention through massive Budgetary allocation to the public health sector to mitigate the withdrawal of multinational donors.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
