AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has warned that without increased financial commitment from government institutions, lawmakers and private stakeholders, the gains achieved in the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis could be difficult to sustain.
The warning was issued by Steve Aborisade, Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager at AHF Nigeria, following a courtesy visit to Alfred Emberga in Makurdi.
According to Aborisade, Nigeria has made remarkable progress in reducing HIV prevalence rates and curbing mother-to-child transmission of the virus. However, he stressed that continued success will depend heavily on the availability of sustainable funding, especially as foreign donor contributions continue to decline.
Lenacapavir Offers New Hope in HIV Prevention
Aborisade highlighted the introduction of Lenacapavir as one of the most significant recent developments in HIV prevention.
The long-acting antiretroviral medication, which is used for both HIV prevention and treatment, requires only two injections per year and has demonstrated strong effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV infection among vulnerable populations.
He explained that the drug provides an additional layer of protection for individuals whose circumstances place them at a higher risk of contracting HIV.
"The newly introduced Lenacapavir (LEN) injection, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) designed to prevent HIV infection, offers additional protection, particularly for HIV-negative individuals whose partners are living with the virus," Aborisade said.
He further noted: "If an HIV-negative woman whose husband is HIV-positive takes the injection twice a year, her chances of contracting HIV are significantly reduced."
Health experts believe the introduction of long-acting preventive treatments could help address challenges associated with daily medication adherence, making HIV prevention more accessible and convenient for many people.
Success in Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission
AHF Nigeria also pointed to encouraging outcomes from its intervention programmes in Benue State, particularly in efforts aimed at preventing the transmission of HIV from mothers to newborns.
Aborisade described the results as a major public health achievement, noting that increasing numbers of babies born to HIV-positive mothers are arriving HIV-free due to effective treatment and prevention strategies.
"Every day in our clinics, children are born HIV-free despite their mothers being positive. This shows that the treatment and preventive measures are working effectively," he stated.
The success reflects years of investment in antenatal care, testing services, access to antiretroviral therapy and continuous monitoring of expectant mothers living with HIV.
Health Workers to Receive Training on New Injection
The organisation disclosed that Lenacapavir has already been launched in Benue State, with plans underway to train healthcare professionals responsible for administering the injection.
The training is expected to equip frontline health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to safely deliver the new prevention option while expanding access to HIV prevention services across communities.
Public health advocates believe wider access to innovative HIV prevention tools could play a critical role in reducing new infections and advancing Nigeria's efforts to achieve global HIV control targets.
Call for Government Action as Donor Support Declines
Despite these advances, AHF expressed concern that the withdrawal of some international donors is creating funding gaps that could undermine ongoing programmes.
Aborisade said the changing funding landscape makes it necessary for governments at all levels to identify alternative sources of financing to maintain and expand critical healthcare services.
He referenced discussions held during a national conference on resource mobilisation in Abuja, where stakeholders emphasised the urgent need for stronger domestic financing of health programmes.
"During discussions at a national conference on resource mobilisation held in Abuja last year, stakeholders emphasised the need for governments and private individuals to increase domestic investments in healthcare," he said.
According to him, lawmakers have a vital role to play in ensuring adequate budgetary allocations for health interventions, particularly those targeting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
"So, it is incumbent on the lawmakers to champion increased funding for health programmes, particularly those targeting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, which often occur together and continue to pose serious public health challenges."
Sustaining Momentum in the Fight Against HIV and Tuberculosis
Health experts warn that while Nigeria has recorded notable progress in HIV prevention and treatment, sustaining those achievements will require long-term planning, stronger healthcare financing and broader stakeholder participation.
With tuberculosis continuing to affect many individuals living with HIV, integrated programmes that address both diseases remain essential to improving public health outcomes.
As funding dynamics evolve globally, stakeholders say increased domestic investment may prove decisive in preserving the gains already recorded and ensuring that life-saving services remain available to millions of Nigerians who depend on them.