AIDS Healthcare Foundation has called for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, particularly for HIV/AIDS and TB treatment, amid significant reductions in international donor funding.

Steve Aborisade, the senior advocacy and marketing manager, AHF-Nigeria, made the call during an advocacy meeting with the Kogi State House of Assembly on Wednesday in Lokoja.

He highlighted the progress made in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria and advocated effective partnership among implementing partners, civil society organisations, and the government to mobilise local resources and sustain the gains made.

Mr Aborisade warned that without conscious efforts to allocate resources and sustain gains made, the country risks losing progress achieved in HIV/AIDS and TB treatment.

“The treatment programme is working, and it is very effective, but there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS. Unless stakeholders and the government make conscious efforts to warehouse local resources for HIV/AIDS and TB, we stand the risk of losing the gains so far accomplished,” he said.

The senior advocacy and marketing manager urged stakeholders and governments at all levels to prioritise HIV/AIDS and TB funding and avoid overdependence on foreign donors.

“AHF and its partners are seeking the Kogi State House of Assembly’s support to boost efforts against HIV/AIDS and TB through increased budgetary allocation,” he said.

He reiterated the need for Nigeria and other African governments to bridge funding gaps left by international donors.

The speaker of the assembly, Aliyu Yusuf, commended AHF’s efforts and pledged collaborative synergy.

Represented by Usman Ochidi, the chairman of the House Committee on Health, the speaker urged AHF and partners to engage the parliament during budget processes.

He promised to use the legislative framework to garner support for the sector and advocate for increased funding.

He commended AHF’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and other public health concerns and promised to remain supportive.

Other stakeholders at the meeting also urged the government to intervene by increasing budgetary allocations to mitigate the impact of reduced international funding.

They include Hamza Aliyu, the chairman of Kogi NGOs Network; Muraina Ozovehe of RECEF; Komolafe Rotimi, Kogi’s TB programme officer; and Yashim Ankint, the senior programme officer at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, among others.

(NAN)