FG unveils HIV strategy to cut donor dependence

The Federal Government has unveiled a new National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) 2026–2030 aimed at shifting Nigeria’s HIV response from heavy reliance on donor funding to a sustainable, locally driven model. Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Thursday, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, said Nigeria had reached a critical stage in its fight against HIV/AIDS and must adopt a new approach to financing and implementing programmes. Ilori noted that although the country had recorded significant progress in reducing new infections and expanding access to treatment over the last two decades, declining external support and changing realities made a transition to a more sustainable system necessary. She stated, “The HIV response stands at a very defining moment. Over the past two decades, the country has made significant progress in reducing infections and expanding access to treatment. This has been supported by strong partnerships, global solidarity and sustained national commitment. “A central driver for this new plan is the recognition that the current donor-dependent model is no longer sustainable. With dwindling external funding, Nigeria must transition to a new business model with emphasis on sustainability, country ownership and a country-led response.” According to her, the strategy was developed through broad consultations involving government agencies, civil society organisations, networks of people living with HIV, development partners, technical experts, the private sector and persons with disabilities. Ilori explained that the new framework prioritises integrating HIV interventions into broader sectors such as healthcare, education, youth development, gender and justice to improve efficiency and strengthen service delivery. “The NSP introduces a transformative approach anchored on integration, innovation and systemic strengthening. Prevention is being reframed to address both current and future risks, with greater focus on the general population, especially adolescents and young people,” she said. She added that digital health solutions, local manufacturing initiatives and innovative service delivery models would play a key role in sustaining HIV programmes. “The vision is clear: an HIV epidemic that is controlled through a sustainable, integrated and nationally owned response that leaves no one behind,” she stated. Also speaking, the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr John Ovuoraye, urged stakeholders to focus on impl