
In response to the withdrawal of U.S. funding, Nigeria is taking a bold step toward self-sufficiency in HIV/AIDS management by launching the domestic production of anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs). This initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and achieve its goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), announced the plans during a recent briefing. She revealed that Nigeria aims to start local manufacturing of essential HIV medical supplies, including ARVs and diagnostic test kits, by the end of 2025. This move is expected to reduce dependency on foreign aid and ensure a sustainable supply of life-saving medications for millions of Nigerians living with HIV.
The decision to produce ARVs domestically comes at a critical time, as the country faces challenges posed by reduced international funding. Dr. Ilori emphasized that local production will not only strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system but also create jobs and boost the economy.
In addition to ramping up domestic drug manufacturing, NACA is implementing several other strategies to enhance Nigeria’s HIV response. These include:
Expanding enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve access to healthcare services.
Increasing financial support for state-level HIV programs to ensure better implementation and coverage.
Intensifying advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.
Advancing research into vaccines and innovative treatment options to improve patient outcomes.
This initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to achieving global health targets and addressing public health challenges through innovation and self-reliance. By investing in local production and strengthening its healthcare infrastructure, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa.
The move has been widely praised by health experts, who believe it will significantly improve access to affordable and effective treatment for HIV patients across the country. As Nigeria moves closer to its 2025 production target, the world will be watching closely to see how this ambitious plan unfolds and sets a precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.
”UNAIDS 2023 reports indicate that approximately 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurring annually.
”Despite progress, PMTCT and paediatric HIV coverage remains below 33%, far from the 95% target.
”To address this, the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children was developed in 2021 with full financial support, yet coverage remains suboptimal,” she said.