..NACA DG Iloutlines bold new strategies to sustain HIV response amid cut in foreign aid
In a major step toward domestic sustainability of Nigeria’s HIV response, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has announced the commencement of local production of HIV test kits and the planned rollout of antiretroviral (ARV) drug manufacturing in the country.
Speaking at the 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA) held in Lagos on Tuesday, the Director General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, described the development as a “game-changer” in Nigeria’s journey toward HIV self-reliance, reducing overdependence on international donors and foreign imports.
“I’m happy to tell you that we already have two plants here in Nigeria that are packaging HIV test kits locally. We are also already in advanced discussions with some local pharmaceutical companies that are ready to begin production of antiretroviral drugs,” Ilori revealed.
She said the move was part of a broader national strategy to secure the country’s HIV response amid a global decline in donor funding and shifting international health priorities.
With donor funding shrinking and Nigeria still home to one of the largest HIV epidemics in the world, experts and stakeholders have long advocated for domestic production of HIV commodities to reduce supply chain vulnerability, cut costs, and ensure sustainability.
Dr. Ilori affirmed that the two local facilities currently producing HIV test kits meet World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification standards. “This means the products are not only made in Nigeria, but are trusted globally for their quality and reliability,” she said.
She added that domestic production would address logistical delays and foreign exchange bottlenecks that have, in the past, disrupted the supply of vital HIV diagnostic tools.
“What we are doing is positioning Nigeria to respond to HIV using home-grown resources, technical, industrial, and financial. This is the kind of innovation we need to sustain the gains we’ve made in the past two decades,” Ilori said.
Beyond test kits, NACA is pushing forward with plans to begin local manufacturing of antiretroviral medications, which are essential for the survival and well-being of over 1.8 million Nigerians currently on treatment.
“We are in serious talks with Nigerian pharmaceutical companies, and the groundwork is being laid to start producing ARVs domestically,” Ilori said. “This will reduce the burden on our foreign reserves, make the drugs more affordable, and enhance access, especially in hard-to-reach areas.”
She emphasized that local production would also help Nigeria mitigate supply shocks caused by international crises, such as pandemics, wars, or donor fatigue, that disrupt global supply chains.
The NACA DG noted that the country’s HIV response is at a critical turning point, with international donor support, including that of PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS, experiencing gradual reductions. This, she said, necessitates a shift in mindset and strategy.
“We must reduce our over-reliance on international funders,” she said. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received over the years, but now is the time for Nigeria to take full ownership, financially, politically, and structurally, of its HIV response.”
Ilori called for increased budgetary allocations at federal and state levels, timely release of funds, and private sector investment to support the local production drive.
In a bid to ensure uninterrupted access to HIV services, Ilori said NACA is working closely with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to include people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the national health insurance scheme.
“We are also engaging the private sector to support funding and service delivery,” she said. “And we’re reaching out to faith-based organizations and civil society to mobilize community support and plug operational gaps.”
Ilori stressed that the local production of test kits and ARVs fits into a broader plan to integrate HIV services into the wider health system, including maternal and child health, antenatal care, tuberculosis, and malaria programs, under the Ministry of Health’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative.
“We no longer want to talk about HIV as a vertical, stand-alone program,” she said. “We want to mainstream it into general health services to increase efficiency, reach, and impact.”
The DG praised the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for demonstrating political will by approving a $200 million intervention fund to bridge the HIV financing gap and establishing the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), which includes support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“This level of commitment is critical,” Ilori noted. “We must now ensure that these policy commitments translate to long-term impact, especially as we build local capacity.”
This year’s NCA, themed “Advancing National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid,” brought together stakeholders from the federal and state governments, UN agencies, civil society, development partners, and private sector representatives to chart a new path forward for Nigeria’s HIV response.
Ilori reiterated the importance of sub-national ownership and capacity-building, urging State Agencies for the Control of AIDS (SACAs) and Local Action Committees on AIDS (LACAs) to rise to the challenge.
“True sustainability must begin at the grassroots,” she said. “We must empower our states and communities to drive the response in a way that reflects local realities and needs.”
As the Council deliberates on new strategies, reviews past resolutions, and discusses future policy directions, the NACA DG said the focus will remain on ensuring no Nigerian living with HIV is left behind.
“The road ahead will demand innovation, resilience, and ownership,” she concluded. “But with the collective strength in this room and across our country, I’m confident that we will not only sustain progress, we will accelerate it.”
In her speech, the Lagos State Governor’s wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu called for urgent action to eliminate stigma and sustain Nigeria’s HIV response amid shifting global aid dynamics.
Shw said the changing landscape of donor support makes it imperative for Nigeria to invest in sustainable systems that guarantee dignity, access, and care for all, especially those living with HIV.
“We must sustain and scale our efforts to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat, regardless of shifting donor priorities,” she said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the need to mainstream anti-stigma campaigns in communities, healthcare centres, and workplaces, noting that ignorance and discrimination continue to harm jojo individuals, particularly youth born the virus.
“Some of these young people are simply victims of circumstances. Once their status becomes known in school, they are isolated,” she said.
She also emphasized the integration of HIV services with sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and broader community programs. According to her, education and continuous engagement are critical to changing societal attitudes.
“We must not give up. It takes time, but repeated messaging and compassion will drive understanding,” she said.
The commended the theme of this year’s Council and expressed confidence that deliberations would yield actionable strategies and enduring partnerships.
“We must build a future where no one is left behind and where everyone living with HIV can access the care and dignity they deserve,” she concluded.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animasahaun, called for increased subnational ownership and local investment in Nigeria’s HIV response, warning that reliance on dwindling global support is no longer sustainable.
Dr. Animasahaun noted Nigeria stands at a turning point and must shift from dependency to self-determination.
“When the tides of global support begin to recede, only those who have built strong foundations will remain standing,” she said, calling for bold, locally driven decisions across all tiers of government.
She urged stakeholders to seize the moment by strengthening health systems, integrating HIV services with mental health, reproductive health, and gender-based violence interventions, and scaling up innovations like long-acting PrEP and peer-led testing.
“The HIV response can no longer stand apart,” she said. “It must be seamlessly integrated. And subnational data must inform subnational action.”
She highlighted Lagos State’s ongoing efforts across all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs to localise HIV programming, improve data systems, and align with national sustainability goals. However, she stressed that Lagos cannot do it alone.
“Lagos leads, but we do not rise alone. We need every state, every LGA, and every partner to own this moment,” she said.
The LSACA boss called for a new national compact anchored on five key principles: subnational financing, community leadership, integrated services, data-driven accountability, and a shared, practical commitment to ending AIDS by 2030.
Dr. Animasahaun also acknowledged the role of Lagos First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, whose support for women, children, and key populations continues to strengthen the state’s HIV response.
“We believe Nigeria can end AIDS,” she said. “And we believe the change starts now, in this room.”
She welcomed delegates on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government and urged them to leave the Council with decisions that speak louder than words.
“If we don’t lead, who will?” she concluded.