The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has called on the Federal government to fast track it’s commitment to ensuring that life-savings antiretroviral drugs and test kits are procured in order to achieve UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals which Nigeria failed to attain by end of 2020.
The National Coordinator
Network of PLHIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Abdulkadir Ibrahim made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja.
He said that the goals cannot be achieved without government commitment to procure from domestic resources adequate test kits so that more Nigerians can be tested and place those who are tested positive and put on life saving HIV treatment.
“We sincerely appreciate the efforts and commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari for providing all resources for HIV treatment.”
He added that with the Commitment made by the President, approval by the Federal Ministry of Health should not be delayed any further in providing adequate treatment for Persons living with HIV.
He also said that the network is currently talking with the Federal Ministry of Health to fast track the release of available resources in the Ministry to procure HIV drugs and test kits to keep Nigerians living with HIV alive.
“We hope the by end of next week approval and release will be granted by the Honorable Minister of Health and his team to redeem Nigeria’s commitment and respect in the eyes of the international community and to also demonstrate the importance of global solidarity and shared responsibility to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat,” he said.
Ibrahim also added that NEPWHAN is looking forward to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS to sooner than later update NEPWHAN and the HIV partners on the status of the procurement of antiretroviral drugs into the national HIV commodity pool.
