AHF advocates increased budgetary allocation for fight against HIV/AIDS, TB, others

According to Aborisade, this is the only way to sustain the gains that have been made and mitigate the resultant impact of reduced funding by some international donor agencies.

Aborisade noted that there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, but that the treatment program is working and is very effective.

"Unless stakeholders and government make conscious efforts to warehouse local resources to HIV/AIDS and TB, we stand the risk of losing the gains that have been accomplished," he said.

He said, AHF and her partners are in the Kogi State House of Assembly to solicit the support of parliamentarians to ensure that the effort against HIV/AIDS and TB in the state gets the needed boost through increased budgetary allocation.

According to him, it has become expedient for Nigeria and other governments in Africa to pick up the gauntlet and bridge the gaps that may exist with the reduction in foreign donor support.

He added that AHF has made a case to the Legislative arm of government to ensure that the state subsequently earmarks adequate resources to the effort against HIV/AIDS and TB.

He disclosed that AHF has its presence in 50 countries globally, and provides services in 14 African states, including Nigeria, while they work in 7 states in Nigeria providing HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.

He charged governments at all levels to prioritize HIV and TB treatment and avoid over-dependency on foreign donors.

Responding, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf commended the effort of the coalition of the NGO and pledged to a collaborative synergy.

The Speaker noted that the interaction with organisations and their CSOs partners has shed insight on the issue and tasked AHF and her partners to engage the House of Assembly during the budgetary processes.

He promised to use the legislative framework to draw support for the sector.

The Speaker was represented by Hon. Usman Ochidi, Chairman, House Committee on Health, who urged members of the National Assembly to use the legislative framework to inspire the Federal Government to ensure that the budget for the Health Sector is not only approved but is timely released.

While speaking on World Tuberculosis Day, the lawmaker called for massive sensitisation and awareness of the people on the effects of TB and how relevant agencies are fighting to stem the scourge.

He commended AHF for its commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and other public health concerns and its promise to remain supportive of the body in the effort against the pandemic.

In their separate speeches, the Chairman of KONGONET and INGRA, Hamza Aliyu, Ambassador Muraina Ozovehe, Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, the Kogi State Program Officer for TB, leprosy, and burili ulcer, Dr. Murna Yashim Ankint, and Senior Program Officer of Human Virology Abuja, call for government intervention through massive budgetary allocation to the public health sector to mitigate the withdrawal of multinational donors.