By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the World HIV Day, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), has called for local investment in HIV/AIDS commodities and services.This is as the body insisted that Nigeria must reduce its dependence on external donors to protect recent gains.
The National Chairman of the Association, Pharmacist Ezeh in a statement issued to mark the World HIV Day with the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” warned that recent cuts in external funding make local commitment essential.
He disclosed that the recent cut in funding support from the United States Government should awaken the Federal Government of Nigeria to take decisive action adding that, increased local investment and policy commitment are essential to preventing major setbacks in HIV services nationwide.
Ezeh described the national HIV response as historically resilient but cautioned that the current geopolitical and funding environment requires fresh thinking.He highlighted worrying statistics to underscore the urgency for action: “In 2023 alone, Nigeria recorded an estimated 1,400 new HIV infections and 50,000 AIDS-related deaths each week, with 1.9 million Nigerians currently living with HIV.
He urged the federal government to approve Cabotegravir 600 mg and Rilpivirine 900 mg for eligible people living with HIV, noting that long-acting injectables would ease pill burden and improve adherence, with dosing intervals spaced several months apart.The ACPN chairman issued a direct call for government investment in local manufacturing of antiretrovirals, diagnostic kits, and consumables to ensure sustainability, reduce external dependency, and safeguard uninterrupted service delivery.
