Godwin Isenyo A group, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, has raised the alarm over the fate of the over 40,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Kaduna State, who are currently on treatment, following the impending withdrawal of donor agencies from the country, Arewa PUNCH reports. The group, which is working to address the challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS, including stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence warned that the withdrawal of donor agencies would be “disastrous” if the government does not take ownership of HIV/AIDS interventions. Comrade Bala Ismail -Ibn Ali, Coordinator of NEPWHAN in Kaduna State, disclosed to Arewa PUNCH on the sideline of a one-day multi-stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Nigerian Network of Religious Leaders Living With or Personally Affected by HIV/AIDS in Kaduna, that the group was working to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS have access to treatment and care.
He noted that the impending withdrawal of donor agencies would have “disastrous” consequences for those living with the disease, and called on the government to take immediate action to ensure the continuation of HIV/AIDS interventions. He said, “We appreciate the government’s efforts; we have sufficient drugs, but often lack test kits. Thanks to the CSOs, our implementing partners, treatment is freely made possible by the government support.
“However, we’re sitting on a time bomb, living in fear as donor agencies prepar.