The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, MAW, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise local manufacturing of HIV medicines and related commodities, warning that Nigeria’s dependence on foreign donors is no longer sustainable.
In a press statement to mark World HIV Day, Ezeh said this year’s global theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reflects the urgent need for Nigeria to rethink its HIV strategy amid shrinking international support.
He noted that the recent reduction in funding by the United States Government should serve as a wake-up call, stressing that Nigeria must increase domestic financing and policy commitments to avoid disruptions in treatment, prevention, and service delivery nationwide.
According to him, Nigeria’s HIV response has historically shown resilience through partnerships, innovation, and persistent advocacy. However, he cautioned that current geopolitical realities and financial uncertainties require renewed strategies rooted in evidence-based policymaking, stronger collaboration among sectors, and greater national ownership of the HIV response.
Ezeh expressed concern over the country’s growing HIV burden, citing recent estimates that show about 1,400 new infections and 50,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded weekly in 2023, with nearly two million Nigerians currently living with HIV.
The ACPN chairman emphasised the need for the Federal Government to accelerate approval of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapies, which he said would significantly reduce pill burden, improve adherence, and enhance quality of life for people living with HIV.
He also stressed that deeper integration of community pharmacists into HIV testing, counselling, treatment continuity, and data reporting would strengthen Nigeria’s response, particularly as global funding becomes less predictable. Community pharmacists, he noted, are already the closest healthcare providers to the grassroots and play a crucial role in expanding access to essential services.
Ezeh reiterated that sustainable progress cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to promote local production of antiretrovirals, diagnostic kits, and other consumables. He explained that building local manufacturing capacity will safeguard treatment supply chains, reduce dependence on foreign donors, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall health system resilience.
He concluded by expressing solidarity with people living with HIV and appreciation for frontline workers and advocates across the country. He urged all stakeholders to use World HIV Day as a moment for renewed commitment to ending the epidemic through innovation, collaboration, and stronger national leadership.