The Benue State Government has constituted a seven-man technical team to develop a sustainability plan for HIV/AIDS services. This move is in response to the decline in international donor funding for APIN Public Health Initiatives. The team, headed by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, is expected to identify funding gaps and develop a costed action plan within seven days.
The team comprises representatives from various government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Service, Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, State Health Insurance Agency, APIN Public Health Initiatives, and Benue State Investment Promotion Agency. The Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, announced the decision at the APIN State Programme and Sustainability Performance Scorecard Review Meeting held in Makurdi.
APIN Public Health Initiatives has been providing HIV/AIDS care services to over 197,000 people in Benue State. The services include antiretroviral drugs and other essential interventions designed to improve the health and well-being of people living with HIV. The organisation has invested significantly in the programme over the years, helping to expand access to treatment and healthcare services for people living with the virus.
However, with declining funding, it has become imperative for the state government to prepare to assume greater responsibility for sustaining the programme and protecting the progress achieved. The state government has been urged to commence implementation of the State Health Insurance Scheme as a long-term sustainability measure that would improve access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden on residents.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, acknowledged the contributions of APIN and other development partners to improving the lives of people living with HIV in the state. He said the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia was developing strategies to retain programme personnel and maintain essential services as the funding structure changes.
The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the programme's performance, identify sustainability gaps, and develop strategies to strengthen government ownership and financing of HIV/AIDS services in Benue. About 183,000 people are currently receiving HIV treatment through supported services across 264 health facilities, alongside investments in laboratory infrastructure, healthcare personnel, and treatment outcomes.
The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with APIN and other development partners to sustain the gains recorded in the health sector. The government insists that no patient should be denied life-saving treatment because of funding challenges.
Key points
- The Benue State Government has set up a team to develop a sustainability plan for HIV/AIDS services due to declining donor funding.
- APIN Public Health Initiatives has been providing HIV/AIDS care services to over 197,000 people in Benue State.
- The state government is urged to implement the State Health Insurance Scheme as a long-term sustainability measure.
