The Federal Government has unveiled the National HIV/AIDS Strategic plan for 2023-2027 (NSP 2023-2027) and the Sustainability and Country Ownership HIV Response in Nigeria.
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation stated this during the 2023 World AIDS Day (WAD) on Friday in Abuja.
He said that the documents show the government’s commitment towards ending the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, AIDS, epidemic by 2030.
“The key strategy for sustainability and country ownership of HIV launched today indicates a pivotal commitment towards ending AIDS by 2030 and beyond, with states providing leadership.
“I therefore encourage State governments to key into this agenda for ownership of sustainable HIV response in Nigeria.
“It is my honour to unveil the national strategic framework 2023 to 2027 and the symbol of a new business model for sustainable HIV response in Nigeria,’’ he said.
Mr Akume was represented by Chris Tarkar, his Chief of Staff on the occasion.
He said the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, collaborated with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS, NiBUCAA, to launch a N62 billion private sector-driven HIV/AIDS Trust Fund of Nigeria.
”We call on the organised private sector to deliver on its pledge to support Government efforts to achieve a HIV free generation where no baby is born with HIV in Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation to the United Nations, United States of America, Global Funds and communities for their support to HIV/AIDS responses in Nigeria.
Dr Gambo Aliyu, Director General, NACA, said the NSP 2023-2027 was developed through a participatory and consultative process.
Mr Aliyu said the strategy involves equitable and equal access to HIV services for all and breakdown barriers to achieving HIV service outcome.
Others, according to him, fully resource and sustain efficient HIV responses and integrate them into relevant systems.
He highlighted the role of leadership of communities to ending social, cultural, legal and economic inequalities holding back progress to ending AIDS, and elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
“As the country continues to make progress towards achieving epidemic control necessary to end AIDS by 2030, we are also mindful of the fact that ending AIDS comes with a huge challenge of sustainability of the control.
“To overcome this challenge, the Government of Nigeria, United States Government, UNAIDS and the Global Fund initiated an alignment programme aimed at ensuring country ownership and sustainability of national response beyond 2030,’’.
NAN
