NACA Ensures HIV Drug Availability Despite Funding Cut

Abuja, Nigeria— The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has assured Nigerians that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs remain sufficiently available nationwide, despite recent cuts in donor funding.

This reassurance was made by Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, in response to growing concerns over a rumored shortage of HIV/AIDS medications. In a statement, she emphasized the agency’s ongoing efforts to sustain drug availability through support from the federal government and development partners.

Dr. Ilori noted the considerable progress made in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response over the years and stressed the need to consolidate those gains for long-term sustainability.

“We have come a long way in terms of progress, and now it is time for us to consolidate that progress. We have to do this together as a country,” she said.

Addressing public fears, Dr. Ilori firmly stated, “I wish to tell every Nigerian and allay the fears of everyone that we have enough ARV drugs, and we are also making efforts to procure more.”

She also called for collective national ownership and sustained commitment from government institutions, civil society, and private sector actors to guarantee uninterrupted access to lifesaving HIV treatments.

Echoing her reassurance, Mr. Nicholas Ugbenyen, National Secretary of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), confirmed that there is currently no ARV shortage across the country’s treatment centres.

“The situation in the country as of today is that we don’t have a shortage of ARV. The earlier reports about ARV shortage are not true—it was just a rumour,” he affirmed.

Ugbenyen added that the ARV supply chain remains stable, and individuals on treatment continue to receive their medications without disruption.

With over 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV, access to ARV remains vital to achieving epidemic control and meeting global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

By Makinde oyinkansola| August 3, 2025