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By Alfred Ajayi
A Non Governmental Organization (NGO), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector in Benue State.
The organization warned that dwindling donor support could undermine gains recorded in the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in the state.
Its Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, made the call during an advocacy visit to the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Alfred Emberga, in Makurdi on Wednesday.
Aborisade, who led a delegation of AHF officials, also announced plans to commence the administration of Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) designed to prevent HIV infection.
He disclosed that the drug has already been launched in Benue State, with arrangements underway to train healthcare workers who will administer it.
According to him, Lenacapavir represents a significant breakthrough in HIV prevention, particularly among individuals at high risk of infection.
The injectable medication requires only two doses annually and has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission.
He noted that although substantial progress has been made in reducing HIV prevalence and preventing mother-to-child transmission, sustaining such achievements would require stronger financial commitments from government and local stakeholders.
Aborisade highlighted AHF’s contributions to improving maternal and child health outcomes in Benue, especially through programmes that ensure babies born to HIV-positive mothers are delivered free of the virus.
“Every day in our clinics, children are born HIV-free despite their mothers being HIV-positive. This demonstrates that treatment and preventive measures are working effectively,” he said.
He added that the newly introduced Lenacapavir injection offers additional protection for HIV-negative individuals in relationships with HIV-positive partners.
“If an HIV-negative woman whose husband is HIV-positive takes the injection twice a year, her chances of contracting HIV are significantly reduced. We are making progress, but we are concerned because donor funding is shrinking,” he stated.
Aborisade warned that the withdrawal of international donor support could jeopardize years of progress in HIV control unless governments and local stakeholders step in to provide alternative funding sources.
Recalling discussions at a national resource mobilisation conference held in Abuja last year, he said stakeholders had emphasized the need for increased domestic investment in healthcare by governments and private sector actors.
He therefore urged lawmakers to champion increased funding for health programmes, particularly those targeting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, which often occur together and continue to pose serious public health challenges.
Responding, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Alfred Emberga, described the advocacy visit as timely and beneficial to the wellbeing of residents.
He acknowledged the legislature’s role in budgetary matters and pledged to engage Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on the need for additional funding for healthcare.
Emberga noted that the governor has consistently demonstrated commitment to the health and welfare of citizens through policies and programmes aimed at addressing healthcare challenges across the state.
While observing that implementation of the state’s 2026 budget had already reached the mid-year stage, the Speaker expressed confidence that the governor would support efforts aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving public health outcomes in Benue State.
