...Over 180,000 Receiving HIV Services In 264 Health Facilities In Benue
...Gov Alia Pledges To Strengthen HIV Response, Despite Challenges
TOR VANDE-ACKA
MAKURDI: Just as implementers of the HIV response in Benue State have cried out that donor fatigue has began to set in on the funding of HIV/AIDS services in the state, Governor Hyacinth Alia, has pledged that his administration would continue to strengthen HIV response in Benue, despite challenges affecting service delivery.
In a related development, APIN, said, it was closely working with the State Ministry for Health and Human Services, to provide comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment and services to about 180,000, persons living with HIV across 264, health facilities in the state.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BENSACA), noted that the challenges confronting the campaign to end HIV, was the inability of taking ownership and sustainability of the project at the national and subnational levels.
Covering Executive Secretary (ES), BENSACA, James Nezan, particularly appealed to the State Government to start looking inward for funding, so as to ensure the sustainability of HIV programmes under the intervention.
Responding to the concerns raised by BENSACA, Governor Alia, made the pledge that government would continue to strengthen the HIV response in the state.
Speaking on the occasion of the 2025 World AIDS Day (WAD), organised by BENSACA in collaboration with APIN Public Health Initiative in Makurdi on Monday, the governor who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Barr Sam Ode, acknowledges that "our journey has not been without obstacles, but it also affirms our commitment to sustaining and strengthening our response despite these challenges.
"This year's global theme, (Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria's HIV Response"), speaks directly to the challenges we face and our unwavering determination to end AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.
"In Benue State, we have made substantial progress. Laws aimed at protecting People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) are firmly in place, including our anti-stigma law enacted in 2019 and workplace protection legislation passed in 2014. These laws are not merely symbolic they actively address stigma and discrimination while promoting access to care and treatment for all people living with HIV in our state."
Governor Alia, further explained that the "World AIDS Day serves multiple critical purposes: it raises awareness about HIV AIDS, keeps these vital issues at the forefront of our national and state health and social development programs, creates opportunities for meaningful interface between civil society, government and the private sector, and builds the capacity of HIV/AIDS administrators to deliver quality services and programs that transform and save lives.
"Furthermore, under my administration, I want to assure you that HIV will remain a priority on my agenda for sustainability. The fight against HIV/AIDS is integral to our broader vision of building a healthy, prosperous, and equitable Benue State where no one is left behind", he stated.
Earlier, in his address at the occasion of the WAD, the Executive Secretary, BENSACA, James Nezan, told the governor that "The battle for HIV is not over yet, therefore, there is need to start looking inward for funding as donor fatigue has set in, this will ensure sustainability for more targeted interventions.
"The challenges confronting the campaign to end HIV by 2030 is the inability of ownership and sustainability at the national and subnational levels. Lack of domestic funding for HIV interventions, drug production and other commodities, stigma of key population, hostile social norms.
"In spite of the challenges mentioned, Benue state government in collaboration with implementing partners (lead IPs like APIN and AHF), CBOs, NGOs, traditional institutions and critical stakeholders have recorded key achievements like ensuring universal access to treatment where thousands of people living with HIV in Benue state are accessing free, life-saving anti retroviral treatment through our government health facilities and presently about 194,247 are on treatment based on our programme data."
Lending his voice to the issues raised, Enebi Achimugu, Head of Office, APIN, Benue state, explained that "As a leading implementing partner of the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Nigeria, APIN works closely with the Benue State Ministry for Health and Human Services, to provide comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment and services to more than 180,000 people living with HIV across 264, health facilities in the state.
"APIN also partners the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to support one hundred and ninety thousand vulnerable children and their households through direct service provisions. Beyond treatment, APIN strengthens the health system through capacity building, laboratory support, supply chain management, clinical mentorship, service integration, monitoring and evaluation.
"We acknowledge the strong leadership of the Government of Benue state through the Ministry of Health and BENSACA, for providing an enabling environment for the HIV response. We also salute all frontline health workers whose dedication, sacrifice and compassion continue to inspire hope and save lives.
"APIN also partners the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to support one hundred and ninety thousand vulnerable children and their households through direct service provisions.
The celebration of the WAD in Benue commenced with a walk, at AYM Shafa filling station, Wurukum roundabout, at about 7am, which had in attendance the State Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode, and other dignitaries, walking through the streets of Makurdi, to Woodland park, Makurdi, where the event was held. End.