The National Council on AIDS brought together government, Civil Society Organization and relevant stakeholders in the HIV response across the country in the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos with the crucial theme, “Advancing National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy Aid,” the council addressed the pressing need for Nigeria to take ownership of its HIV response in the face of shifting global aid policies.
The event, hosted by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) with support from the Lagos State Government drew a distinguished crowd of key players in the fight against HIV.
Notable attendees included the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the chairperson for the 7th NCA; Dr. Temitope Ilori; the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the CEO of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun; the Chairman House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM); Hon. Godwin Amobi Ogah, the Commissioner of Health, Lagos State; Professor Akin Abayomi, the National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV (NEPWHAN), Mr. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, heads of State Agencies for the Control of AIDS (SACAs), civil society organizations, traditional leaders, some NACA and SACA directors and staff all in attendance.
Dr. Ndukwe, the chairman of the secretariat and planning committee, outlined the core objectives of the NCA which are: to review progress on the implementation of previous resolutions, consider and approve new memoranda for the national response, and take proactive steps for their implementation.
Goodwill messages from representatives of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, UNAIDS, and PEPFAR underscored the collaborative spirit of the council.
In her address, Dr. Temitope Ilori, highlighted three key tracks that would guide the deliberations:
1. Sustainability in a Changing Aid Landscape. She emphasized the need for innovation, domestic resource mobilization, and making programs more efficient. She stressed that a resilient HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria program is essential to navigate future uncertainties. A significant step in this direction is the engagement with the National Health Insurance Authority to ensure comprehensive and integrated care for people living with HIV (PLHIV).
2. Multi-Sectoral Approaches. The DG noted that HIV does not exist in a vacuum, and a holistic approach is necessary for long-term success. This involves engaging not just the health sector, but also education, social welfare, and economic sectors. The integration of HIV into the global health system and the constitution of the technical working groups on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM TWG) under the Sector Wide Approach initiatives (SWAP) are key components of this strategy.
3. Sub-National Strengthening. She stated that true sustainability starts at the grassroots level. Empowering SACAs and Local Action Committee for the Control of AIDS (LACAs) with the necessary tools, capacity, and autonomy is crucial. She also praised the Nigerian government’s commitment to prioritizing life-saving commodities, noting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a $200 million intervention fund and the establishment of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) to boost local production of ARV and diagnostic kits.
The council has already witnessed a dynamic exchange of ideas, with discussions focusing on strengthening sustainability through resource mobilization, a critical step towards national ownership of the HIV response.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, affirmed the state’s commitment by working with local government areas to extend the HIV response to the grassroots. A drama group also used its performance to advocate for the use of e-health for easy accessibility.
Memos from all SACAs and stakeholders were reviewed, with the aim of integrating lessons learned and implementing approved resolutions to intensify Nigeria’s national response.
At the closing ceremony, the communique was read by Dr. Ndukwe which showed recommended memoranda for the council’s consideration and approval. The next state to host the NCA was announced to be Akwa Ibom State.
The NCA serves as a pivotal platform for charting a new, sustainable course for the country’s fight against HIV.