The Anambra State government has emphasized the need for inclusivity and accountability in preparations ahead of the state’s eventual transition from donor dependency to domestically driven ownership and sustainability.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, stated this at a stakeholder meeting to validate the HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (HTM) Cost of Doing Business Assessment and discuss its transition for sustainability.
The 3-day engagement was organized by Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) in collaboration with National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and with support from Global Fund.
It was an opportunity to reflect on the state’s current position, identify priority actions and to agree on how best to sustainably position ATM services within the broader health agenda of the state.
Obidike, who noted that HIV, TB, and Malaria continue to pose significant public health and socio-economic challenges in the state and across the nation, acknowledged that tremendous progress has been recorded over the years, largely through the invaluable support of international partners, civil society organisations, community actors, and the state’s front-line health workers.
He, however, noted that the state is at a crucial point where the sustainability of these gains requires deliberate planning, efficient resource mobilization, and strong collaboration.
He said, “This assessment of the cost of doing business provides us with evidence to understand the true cost of programme delivery, identify bottlenecks, and streamline systems for efficiency.
“More importantly, it will guide us in ensuring value for money, strengthening accountability, and preparing adequately for an eventual transition from donor dependency to domestically-driven ownership and sustainability.
“Today’s meeting is not just about validating data but about shaping our collective response for the future.
“It is an opportunity to interrogate the findings, provide constructive inputs, and align on strategies that guarantee uninterrupted access to HIV, TB, and Malaria services for our people, especially the most vulnerable among us.
“This meeting also offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on where we are, to identify priority actions, and to agree on how best to sustainably position HIV, TB, and Malaria services within the broader health agenda of our state.
“We must ensure that these essential services are not seen as vertical programmes but are effectively integrated into our health system in ways that enhance efficiency, equity, and resilience.”
While commending partners, including Global Fund, UNAIDS, NACA, Implementing Partners and other stakeholders for their contributions, Obidike assured the recommendations from the dialogue would serve as guiding framework for government and partners in ensuring sustainable access to ATM services for the beneficiaries.
The Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Dr. Temitope Ilori urged states to reprioritize their priorities to mitigate challenges of decline in donor funding.
Ilori, represented by Director, Community Prevention, Care and Support Department, James Anenih said states should not only take ownership of Nigeria’s HIV response, but focus on home-grown solutions.
She said, “Everyone is aware that the whole world is pulling back resources that we used to have for issues like HIV, Malaria and TP. Countries are reprioritizing their priorities and Nigeria has to follow suit.
“A sustainability framework has been developed at the national level which states are expected to leverage on to develop their own specific sustainability plan.
“In view of their peculiarities, including priorities, budgetary allocations, and release, each state, if you like, should cut its coat according to its size.
“The output of this workshop is expected to feed into the sustainability plan for the state, including boosting local pharmaceutical production, scaling up community leadership, and integrating services into existing health systems.”
Earlier, the Executive Director, Anambra SACA, Johnbosco Ementa, said the meeting was to safeguard and strengthen gains achieved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
“The engagement will focus on ensuring sustainability through shared commitment, innovative financing, and effective governance, in alignment with the National Sustainability Roadmap,” he said.
