The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has advised the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to invest in local production of drugs to tackle the menace of HIV/AIDS.
ACPN noted that this is necessary to reduce dependency on external donors for HIV/AIDS prevention.
ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, made these assertions in a statement issued in commemoration of World HIV/AIDS Day.
The statement was made available to DAILY POST on Monday.
Ezeh stated that in 2023 alone, Nigeria recorded an estimated 1,400 new HIV infections.
He explained that the recent cut in funding support from the United States Government should prompt the Federal Government to take decisive action to tackle HIV/AIDS in the country.
He warned that the recent reductions in external funding make strengthened local commitment essential.
Ezeh said: “The recent cut in funding support from the United States Government should awaken the Federal Government of Nigeria to take decisive action. The HIV response has historically been characterised by resilience, rising above challenges through innovation, partnerships, and persistent advocacy.
“The ACPN chairman issued a direct call for government investment in local manufacturing of antiretrovirals, diagnostic kits, and consumables to ensure sustainability, reduce external dependency, and safeguard uninterrupted service delivery.”