The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria is warning of a potential crisis for the over 40,000 individuals in Kaduna State living with HIV/AIDS, who are currently receiving treatment, as donor agencies prepare to withdraw from the country.
The group is working to address the challenges faced by those living with HIV/AIDS, including stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence, and has cautioned that the withdrawal of donor agencies would be “disastrous” if the government fails to take ownership of HIV/AIDS interventions.
Comrade Bala Ismail-Ibn Ali, Coordinator of NEPWHAN in Kaduna State, emphasized the need for continued access to treatment and care, stating that the withdrawal would have “disastrous” consequences for those living with the disease.
He urged the government to take immediate action, saying, “The government must act now to ensure the continuation of HIV/AIDS interventions and prevent a catastrophic outcome.”
“We appreciate the government’s efforts; we have sufficient drugs, but often lack test kits. Thanks to the CSOs, our implementing partners, treatment is freely made possible by the government support.
“However, we’re sitting on a time bomb, living in fear as donor agencies prepare to withdraw.
“We urge the government to take ownership of these programs, or it will be disastrous.
“We’re relying heavily on implementing partners, who handle over 80 per cent of the work. We plead with the government to take ownership before it’s too late, as the withdrawal of international donors looms.”
Amber Erinmwinhe, National Coordinator/Executive Secretary of NINERELA Nigeria, stressed the need for a collaborative approach involving multiple sectors to effectively tackle these challenges.
“We can no longer work separately on HIV and gender-based violence. It’s essential to recognise their interrelation and develop strategies to address both,” she said.
NAIJATRAFFIC Learnt that,The NINERELA boss stated that the dialogue, themed: “Putting the community at the center of HIV and Gender-based response,” The event gathered 45-50 stakeholders, comprising faith leaders, government officials, NGOs, and media professionals.
Amber Erinmwinhe highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders in achieving the global goal of ending HIV by 2030, emphasizing their vital contribution to this endeavor.
“Religious leaders are at the forefront of this journey. We need to mobilise communities to own this response and ensure sustainability, especially with donors pulling out.”
Erinmwinhe urged the government to boost funding and support for HIV treatment and prevention, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in meeting the 2030 target.
She explained that the dialogue aimed to synchronize efforts to combat HIV-related stigma and gender-based violence, with a focus on faith communities and the wider society.
Additionally, she announced plans to hold similar events in Kogi and Lagos States, following the successful dialogue in Kaduna, to further amplify the impact.
She remarked, “NINERELA Nigeria, with support from CIHP and PEPFAR/CDC IRIS, is hosting a one-day multi-stakeholder dialogue in Kaduna State to address HIV stigma, gender-based violence, and human rights violations. The theme, ‘Putting the community at the center of HIV and Gender-based response,’ highlights the interconnectedness of HIV and gender-based violence.
“We can no longer address these issues separately. NINERELA, an interfaith organisation, brings together religious leaders, government, NGOs, media, and other sectors to harmonise strategies to eliminate HIV-related stigma and gender-based violence in our communities.
“This dialogue aims to engage religious leaders, who are crucial in ending HIV by 2030, the global target. We have already hosted this dialogue in Kogi State and will do so in Lagos soon.
“We stress the importance of sustainability and community ownership, as donor agencies prepare to withdraw. We urge the government to take responsibility and allocate resources to ensure the continuation of HIV interventions.
“While donors have supported us, we must not rely solely on them. Our communities are central to this response, and we must work together to achieve zero stigma and discrimination by 2030.
“If people don’t access treatment, we are all at risk. This dialogue seeks to find strategies to address HIV and gender-based violence, ensuring that people living with HIV or surviving gender-based violence are not stigmatised or discriminated against.”
According to NAIJATRAFFIC, a recent dialogue convened faith-based organizations, government officials, and civil society groups to tackle the pressing issues faced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence.
The meeting also focused on mitigating the impact of donor agencies’ withdrawal from Nigeria and ensuring uninterrupted access to treatment and care for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
