In order to fill the financial gap in the battle against HIV/AIDS, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) have advocated for the local manufacture of HIV/AIDS kits and drugs.
A three-day stakeholder engagement on the Review and Implementation of Anti-Discrimination Programs under the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act of 2014 took place, and the call was made at the opening ceremony.
Celebrities from all around Nigeria attended the event, which took place at the MSquare Whitehouse Hotel, 23A Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
Following the US government’s decision to stop funding the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the international organization that coordinates efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, both agencies expressed concern.
NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu, who spoke on the sidelines of the occasion, emphasized the need for better research and development in the local manufacturing of antiretroviral medications and associated medical kits.
With the passage of the HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act in 2014, Nigeria took a risk. “We had hoped to have accomplished the goals of the law after ten years,” he remarked.
But as of right now, the Act has only been ratified by 18 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
Ojukwu continued, “Its main goal was to eradicate discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS, especially in public places, healthcare facilities, and workplaces.”
Despite the advancements, he pointed out that complete national adherence to the legislation was still missing.
The goal of this stakeholder gathering is to bring people together, rekindle their commitment, and close the gaps that are preventing the law from being fully implemented.
“We will talk about any necessary adjustments. Zero discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS is our aim,” he stated.
Ojukwu went on to say that the engagement offered a chance to deal with the increasing budgetary limitations brought on by the decline in foreign assistance.
“With a gathering of this nature, it’s time to consider the circumstances. We need to start looking inside and give indigenous medication manufacture top priority.
“The government should support research into new drug development where local manufacturing is not yet feasible,” he stated.
In order to negotiate subsidies and lower costs, he also suggested public-private partnerships with foreign pharmaceutical makers.
“We can employ a variety of innovative strategies, such as locating different funding sources,” Ojukwu continued.
According to him, “there are a lot of innovative ways to explore alternative sources of funding.”
Ojukwu went on, “There are good-hearted people in Nigeria who can help with some of these expenses. It is not required that all financing originate in the United States or other Western nations.
Our philanthropists are able to assist with these projects.
All that needs to be done is raise awareness since individuals are more inclined to put their resources toward those needs once they are recognized.
Ojukwu stated, “More Nigerians will view this as a feasible area where they can direct their efforts and resources if we raise awareness.”
Additionally, he said, the government must reinforce its commitment by raising the proportion of funds allotted to health.
“We can drastically lessen our reliance on foreign aid if we accept responsibility and act appropriately.”
Ojukwu emphasized that the Federal Government shouldn’t bear the entire burden of anti-discrimination duties.
There are roles for state governments as well. Currently, the anti-discrimination statute is only in effect in 18 of the 36 states. The rest of the states have to do the same,” he declared.
“The public should be aware that the NHRC is prepared to offer the required guidance to stakeholders in order to bring the anti-discrimination law to fruition.”
Speaking about the National Agency for the Control of AIDS’s (NACA) successes in combating HIV/AIDS was Dr. Chukwugozie Ujam, Deputy Director of Community and Prevention Care Services.
According to him, Nigeria began its treatment program in 1986 after years of fighting HIV/AIDS after the disease was discovered in the early 1980s.
“We have remained committed to fighting stigma and discrimination, and our participation in this conference reflects our continued support for all efforts in this fight.”
“Despite decades of awareness campaigns, there is still misinformation about HIV/AIDS,” Ujam said.
In reality, a lot of behaviors that individuals may consider commonplace are discriminatory. It is essential to recognize these behaviors and use education to remedy them.
According to Ujam, who discussed its advancements, “AIDS has been largely brought under control in Nigeria, and prevalence rates have dropped significantly.”
However, complacency has resulted from these advancements. We must keep highlighting prevention, protection, and abstinence.
In order to prevent a disease comeback, he reaffirmed that NACA was reorienting its focus from treatment to prevention.
“We are no longer in the early stages of treatment. We are now putting prevention first in order to keep the progress we have made and significantly lower the number of new infections.
Additionally, Ujam emphasized the significance of encouraging domestic manufacturing of necessities.
“We collaborate with organizations such as the Laboratory Council of Nigeria, NAFDAC, and the Manufacturers Association to guarantee domestic manufacturing—not only of antiretroviral medications but also of testing kits,” he stated.
We can continue the treatment program, support regional manufacturers, and generate employment by doing this. This is a win-win scenario.
He pleaded with the administration to foster an atmosphere that supports regional producers.
“Even providing rebates for raw material imports could have a significant impact,” he said.
“We’ve done research and know that supporting local manufacturing of antiretroviral medications and associated medical supplies is essential to maintaining the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Ujam continued.
Given the drop in donor support, particularly from the United States, Nigeria needs to assume responsibility. The propagation of the virus affects everyone, even if we are not infected.
In order to enhance the nation’s treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, he emphasized that the Ministry of Health had expanded its financing for disease control. (Nan)
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