The Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has called on the Federal Government to fully integrate HIV services into the national health system to strengthen access to care and curb persistent stigma and discrimination.
Speaking at a media-focused meeting organised by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, NEPWHAN’s National President, Abdulkadiri Ibrahim, criticised the current fragmented approach in which different agencies and departments manage aspects of the HIV response.
He argued that this structure weakens coordination and urged government to “find a common ground” for a more unified system.
Ibrahim also warned that the recent shift in U.S. government policy has led to a drastic reduction in funding for several health interventions it previously supported. Although HIV programmes received a waiver, he said some critical components, particularly prevention, had been “significantly affected.”
“Prevention efforts, especially those targeting the key drivers of the epidemic such as young people and key populations, have suffered major setbacks,” he said.
He added that prevention of mother-to-child transmission remains the only intervention still prioritised under U.S. support.
With global HIV funding also shrinking, Ibrahim stressed the need for Nigeria to “look inwards” to protect the progress made over the years. “We must sustain the gains by addressing the barriers created by disruptions in funding,” he said.
AHF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Dr. Echey Ijezie, noted that the media had long been a vital force in raising awareness about HIV in the country. “The media has been a strong voice for the response from the beginning,” he said.
Similarly, AHF Public Relations Manager Steve Aborishade lamented that stigma and discrimination continue to deter many from seeking care.
He pointed out that key populations still face steep barriers to treatment and called for stronger media support “to help Nigeria beat HIV.”
