By Muhammad Amaan
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have called for the local production of HIV/AIDS kits and medications to address the funding shortfall in the fight against the disease.
The call was made during the opening ceremony of a three-day stakeholder engagement on the Review and Implementation of Anti-Discrimination Programs under the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act of 2014.
Both agencies raised concerns following the withdrawal of funding by the United States Government to the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the global body coordinating efforts against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, emphasised the need for improved research and development in the local production of antiretroviral drugs and related medical kits.
“Nigeria made a bold move in 2014 by enacting the HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act. Ten years on, we had hoped to have achieved the objectives of the law. However, as of now, only 18 out of Nigeria’s 36 states have adopted the Act.
“Its primary purpose was to eliminate discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in workplaces, healthcare facilities, and public spaces,” Dr Ojukwu added.
He noted that in spite of the progress, full nationwide compliance with the law was still lacking.
“This is the reason for this stakeholder meeting, to unify voices, reignite commitment, and bridge the gaps preventing the full implementation of the law.
“Where amendments are needed, we will discuss them. Our goal is zero discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS,” he said.
Ojukwu further explained that the engagement presented an opportunity to address the growing financial constraints resulting from the reduction in international support.
“With this kind of gathering, it’s time to reflect on the situation. We must begin to look inward and prioritise local production of drugs.
“Where local manufacturing is not yet feasible, the government should support research into new drug development,” he said.
He also proposed public-private partnerships with international drug manufacturers to negotiate subsidies and reduce costs.
“There are many creative approaches we can take, including identifying alternative sources of funding,” Ojukwu added.
“There are many creative ways to explore alternative sources of funding,” he said.
Dr Ojukwu added, “In Nigeria, we have well-meaning individuals who are capable of covering some of these costs. It is not mandatory that all funding must come from America or other Western countries.
“We have philanthropists who can support these initiatives. It’s simply a matter of creating awareness, once people understand the needs, they will be more likely to redirect their resources toward them.
“If we create more awareness, more Nigerians will see this as a viable area where they can channel their efforts and resources,” said Ojukwu.
According to him, the government also needs to step up its commitment by increasing the percentage of funding allocated to health.
“If we take responsibility and act accordingly, our reliance on foreign aid can be significantly reduced.”
Dr Ojukwu emphasised that anti-discrimination efforts should not rest solely on the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The state governments have their roles too. Currently, only 18 out of the 36 states have adopted the anti-discrimination law. The remaining states must follow suit,” he said.
“We want the public to know that the NHRC is ready to provide the necessary leadership among stakeholders to make the anti-discrimination law a reality.”
