NACA Assures Nigerians Of Steady Supply Of HIV Drugs, Dismisses Fears Of Shortage | Independent Newspaper Nigeria

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has moved to calm public concerns over the availability of antiretroviral medications in the country, assuring Nigerians especially people living with HIV that there is no shortage of HIV drugs, despite global anxieties triggered by a recent World Health Organization (WHO) press briefing on potential supply disruptions.

In a statement made available to journalists , NACA's Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, reaffirmed that Nigeria has taken "proactive and decisive steps" to protect its supply chain and ensure uninterrupted treatment for all patients enrolled in HIV care across the country.

According to the agency, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has already approved a $1.07 billion financing package for health sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme, alongside an additional N4.8 billion dedicated specifically to HIV treatment. In a related development, the Senate, during its review of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, allocated an extra N300 billion to the health sector, further strengthening national response efforts.

Dr. Ilori noted that these investments are part of a broader strategy to cushion the impact of the recent temporary pause in U.S. government aid, especially funds channeled through PEPFAR, which has supported Nigeria's HIV programmes for over two decades.

She emphasized that "the government views this pause as an opportunity to deepen domestic resource mobilization, strengthen national ownership, and improve the long-term sustainability of the HIV response."

NACA reassured Nigerians that treatment centers and pharmacies nationwide have adequate stocks of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other essential consumables. There is also no disruption to HIV testing, prevention, counselling, or care services, the agency stressed.

The DG added that surveillance teams and supply-chain monitoring units are actively ensuring that stock levels remain s