Chinedum Elekwachi
National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has urged states to reprioritize their priorities to mitigate challenges of decline in donor funding.
Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori gave the assurance at a 3-day Non Residential Anambra State Cost of Doing Business (CoDB) Stakeholders Engagement Meeting by Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).
The engagement, in collaboration with National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and with support from Global Fund was to validate the state HIV, TB and Malaria (ATM) Cost of Doing Business assessment and transition for sustainability.
The DG, represented by Director, Community Prevention, Care and Support Department, James Anenih said states should not only take ownership of Nigeria’s HIV response, but focus on home-grown solutions.
States were expected to develop their specific sustainability plan, leveraging on the already developed sustainability framework at the national level.
“Everyone is aware that the whole world is pulling back resources that we used to have for issues like HIV, Malaria and TB.
“Countries are reprioritizing their priorities and Nigeria has to follow suit,” She said.
Sustainability framework
“A sustainability framework has been developed at the national level which states are expected to leverage on to develop their own specific sustainability plan.
“In view of their peculiarities, including priorities, budgetary allocations and release, each state, if you like, should cut their coats according to their size.
“The output of this workshop will feed into the sustainability plan for the state, including boosting local pharmaceutical production, scaling up community leadership, and integrating services into existing health systems.
“Anambra is among the seven pilot states. Other states are Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos and Gombe, representing the six zones.
“The plan is to scale it through all the 36 states and the FCT in view of its importance.”
He assured supports to states in developing the sustainability plan.
NACA boss called on stakeholders to put in their best for the achievement of the target.
“We’ll continue to provide the needed support even after the development of the plans and to monitor the process to ensure they align with the framework.
Aiming at co-creation
“We want each state to be part of this co-creation. That’s why we invited other stakeholders, including government representatives, Accountants, Commissioners of different Ministries, SSG, Community leaders,” she added.
Earlier, Executive Director, Anambra SACA, Johnbosco Ementa said the meeting was to safeguard and strengthen gains achieved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
“The engagement will focus on ensuring sustainability through shared commitment, innovative financing, and effective governance, in alignment with the National Sustainability Roadmap,” he said.
