Benue State to Maintain HIV Care for 197,000 Patients

Benue State is committed to sustaining HIV care for 197,000 patients amid declining donor funding. A team, chaired by Dr Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, has been established to identify funding gaps and prioritize critical interventions.

Barr. Deborah Aber, Secretary to the State Government, announced the team's formation during the APIN State Programme and Sustainability Performance Scorecard Review Meeting in Makurdi. The team is tasked with completing its assignment within seven days and submitting recommendations to the State Executive Council.

Aber emphasized the need for domestic financing and the integration of successful health interventions into government systems. Enebi Achimogu, State Programme Lead of APIN Public Health Initiatives, noted that APIN provides care services to over 197,000 people in Benue, including antiretroviral drugs.

He highlighted the necessity for the state government to take greater responsibility due to reduced funding and urged the implementation of the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme to enhance healthcare access.