Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - The Federal Government has committed $346 million in co-financing for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programmes in 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare response.
The disclosure was made by Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during the national launch of
Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, in Abuja.
The funding, approved by Bola Tinubu, is expected to be
included in the 2026 national budget.
Pate noted that the funds would support key areas such as
medical commodities, laboratory surveillance, reagents, expansion of primary
healthcare services, and financial protection for citizens.
According to him, by 2030, the country aims to rely more on
domestic resources to fund priority health programmes.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako,
disclosed that 93% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 99% of
diagnosed individuals are receiving treatment, and 95% of those on treatment
have achieved viral suppression.
He added that prevention of mother-to-child transmission has
improved significantly, rising from 33% in 2023 to nearly 70% in 2025.
The introduction of Lenacapavir was described as a major
breakthrough, offering a more convenient prevention option, especially for
high-risk individuals. The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, also noted that
the injectable represents a major step forward in expanding HIV prevention
options.
The rollout of the drug has begun in several states,
including Anambra State, Ebonyi State, Gombe State, Kwara State, Akwa Ibom
State, Cross River State, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory.
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