Over 44,000 on HIV treatment in Kano as donor support declines

The National Agency Control AIDS (NACA) organized a meeting in Lagos with 400 delegates from across Nigeria to address the decline in international donor support for HIV treatment. Currently, over 44,000 people are receiving HIV treatment in Kano, with a focus on developing a sustainable framework to combat the disease without heavy reliance on foreign aid.

Kano State Coordinator for NACA, Usman Bashir, highlighted the need for a homegrown solution as major donors have withdrawn support. While the Kano State Government procures less common and expensive treatments, concerns were raised about the government's capacity to sustain treatment without donor assistance.

Stakeholders fear that the withdrawal of foreign aid could undermine HIV care in Nigeria. Ismail Bashir, head of Save Lives Sustainable Counselling Initiative, emphasized the importance of monitoring the distribution of HIV medication to avoid favoritism and ensure effective treatment for all those in need.