A non-governmental organization, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, has called on the Benue State House of Assembly to advocate for increased budgetary allocations to the health sector. This move aims to bolster the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in the state amid declining donor support.
Concerns Over Dwindling Donor Support
The organization expressed concern that the reduction in donor funding could undermine the achievements recorded in combating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis across Benue State. Steve Aborisade, Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, in Makurdi.
Introduction of Lenacapavir
Aborisade, accompanied by other AHF officials, also disclosed plans to administer Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) designed to prevent HIV infection. He noted that the drug has already been launched in Benue State, with preparations underway to train health workers for its administration.
According to Aborisade, Lenacapavir represents a breakthrough in HIV prevention, particularly for individuals at high risk. The injection requires only two doses annually and has demonstrated high effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission.
Need for Government Funding
Aborisade emphasized that while significant progress has been made in reducing HIV prevalence and preventing mother-to-child transmission, sustaining these achievements requires stronger financial commitment from the government and local stakeholders. He highlighted that AHF interventions in Benue have contributed to ensuring that babies born to HIV-positive mothers are delivered free of the virus.
“Every day in our clinics, children are born HIV-free despite their mothers being positive. This shows that the treatment and preventive measures are working effectively,” he said.
Additional Protection for At-Risk Individuals
Aborisade further explained that the newly introduced Lenacapavir injection offers additional protection, especially for HIV-negative individuals whose partners are living with the virus. “If an HIV-negative woman whose husband is HIV-positive takes the injection twice a year, her chances of contracting HIV are significantly reduced. We are making progress, but we are worried because donor funding is shrinking,” he added.
Speaker's Response
In response, Speaker Alfred Emberga described the advocacy visit as timely and beneficial to the well-being of Benue residents. He acknowledged the legislature's critical role in budgetary matters and pledged to consult Governor Hyacinth Alia on the need for additional health sector funding.
Emberga noted that the governor has demonstrated commitment to citizens' welfare through policies and programs addressing health challenges. While the implementation of the state’s 2026 budget has reached its mid-year stage, the Speaker expressed confidence that the governor would support efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve public health outcomes across Benue State.
