HIV Patients Urge FG to Address TB Drug Shortage

People living with HIV in Nigeria have raised alarms regarding a severe shortage of tuberculosis (TB) drugs, which they claim puts their lives at risk. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), issued a statement expressing concern over the critical stock shortages of TB commodities.

He accused the government of failing to adequately finance TB programs and fulfill counterpart funding commitments. Nigeria continues to bear one of the highest TB burdens globally, and the shortage of medicines and diagnostic supplies has created a public health emergency, particularly threatening those living with HIV, among whom TB remains a leading cause of death.

NEPWHAN's monitoring data indicated that 64.2% of monitored facilities reported stockouts of essential TB commodities. Ibrahim called for urgent action from the federal government to prevent a worsening crisis, which could reverse gains made in the fight against HIV and TB, affecting thousands of Nigerians who depend on timely access to treatment.