The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, MAW, has called for urgent investment in local manufacturing of HIV medicines and commodities as Nigeria joins the global community to mark World HIV Day.
Ezeh said this year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” highlights the need for stronger national ownership of the HIV response.
He warned that recent cuts in support from the United States Government threaten to slow progress, making it imperative for Nigeria to reduce dependence on foreign donors.
According to him, the country must prioritise domestic financing, strengthen health systems, and adopt evidence-based policy reforms to sustain treatment and prevention programmes.
He stressed that changing global dynamics demand a fresh, innovative, and self-reliant approach.
Expressing concern over current epidemiological figures, Ezeh noted that Nigeria recorded an estimated 1,400 new HIV infections and 50,000 AIDS-related deaths every week in 2023, with about 1.9 million people currently living with HIV.
He said these figures call for urgent political action and renewed government leadership.
Ezeh advocated the approval and rollout of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy, describing it as vital for improving adherence and reducing the daily pill burden for patients.
He also called for greater integration of community pharmacists who, he noted, play a pivotal role in HIV testing, counselling, and medication refills, and remain key to accurate national data reporting in the face of dwindling global support.
He stressed the strategic importance of producing antiretrovirals, diagnostic kits, and other essential commodities locally, arguing that domestic manufacturing will protect Nigeria from disruptions in the global supply chain and ensure long-term sustainability.
Ezeh expressed solidarity with people living with HIV and commended all stakeholders working to eliminate the disease. He said this year’s World HIV Day must inspire stronger national commitment, enhanced local capacity, and transformative action to secure the gains made in Nigeria’s HIV response.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo