The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, has said plans are ongoing to support the domestic production of HIV commodities such as test kits and anti-retroviral drugs before the end of 2025.

Ilori disclosed this at the weekend in Ilorin, Kwara State, while inaugurating the Kwara Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission and Pediatrics ART Acceleration Committee.

The NACA DG explained that domestic production of HIV commodities was part of ways the government was creating an enabling environment for ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

She added that other ways include enrolling all individuals in the national health insurance program, mobilising resources to states and strengthening advocacy efforts and supporting vaccine research and innovation.

Ilori said the committee being set up was aimed at achieving an AIDS-Free Generation and ensuring a sustainable HIV response.

‘’UNAIDS 2023 reports indicate that approximately 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurring annually.

‘’Despite progress, PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remains below 33%, far from the 95% target.

‘’To address this, the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children was developed in 2021 with full financial support, yet coverage remains suboptimal,’’ she said.

The NACA DG noted that Kwara State’s HIV prevalence (0.8%) was below the national average of 1.4%, disparities persist.

‘’Women are disproportionately affected (1.3%) compared to men (0.4%), and some local governments require targeted interventions to maintain and further reduce prevalence rates.

‘’Achieving an AIDS-Free Generation is within reach, and no child should be born HIV-positive in Kwara State.

‘’I urge all partners to support us in developing a comprehensive line-list of children of HIV-positive clients, which is crucial to accelerating paediatric ART nationwide,’’ she added.

Ilori said that the Minister of State for Health has established a national acceleration committee, and the model was being replicated at the state level to eliminate mother-to-child transmission and enhance real-time program monitoring.

She however noted that there was a need for government-led sustainability efforts to address government’s continued reliance on donor support.

‘’Over the past few days, I have received numerous calls regarding the implications of the 90-day foreign aid suspension on our HIV program.

‘’While we are relieved that HIV services remain exempt, this situation underscores the need for government-led sustainability efforts.

Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, however assured that the state government would ensure the committee achieves its mandate.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency says it has refunded money to more than 3,000 pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj

The spokesperson for the agency, Malam Yunusa Abdullahi, announced this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

Abdullahi said the refunds were received from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria

He explained that each pilgrim received N61,080, and the funds were disbursed directly into the pilgrims’ accounts.

“NAHCON has stated that the refunds are due to an interruption in the electricity supply during the pilgrims’ stay at Muna, which affected the cooling systems and consequently caused inconveniences,” he said.

Abdullahi acknowledged the frustrations of those still awaiting refunds and expressed gratitude for their patience, noting that delays were due to inability of the pilgrims to provide necessary account information.

According to the spokesperson, another round of refunds is slated for disbursement next week, assuring that the agency is working diligently to ensure that all eligible pilgrims receive their payments.

He stressed the importance of timely submission of account details, urging all 2023 pilgrims, yet to receive payment to contact the Registration Officers at their respective Local Government offices.

“These details are critical for quick refunds to the remaining pilgrims. The agency remains committed to smooth disbursement of refunds,” he assured.

The spokesperson said that notwithstanding handling the 2023 refunds, “the agency is already shifting its focus toward preparations for the upcoming Hajj.

“The prompt conclusion of the refund process will enable the agency to focus more resources and attention to preparation for this year’s Hajj.”

(NAN)

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

US allies Japan and South Korea are both assessing the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs on their countries and on global trade.

Japan’s finance minister said Tokyo was “deeply concerned” about the potential repercussions of the tariffs on global trade.

“We’re deeply concerned about how these tariffs could affect the world’s economy,” Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato told a Sunday show on Fuji TV.

The minister also said it was important to “thoroughly assess” the tariffs’ policy’s potential impact on the foreign exchange market.

“Japan needs to scrutinise these policies and their effects, and take appropriate measures,” Kato said.

South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok meanwhile instructed government agencies to closely monitor any impact on domestic firms and the economy.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada would be imposing tariffs on American goods in response to US President Donald Trump’s import tax decision.

“Tonight I am announcing Canada will be responding to the US trade action with 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods,” Trudeau said.

Trudeau began his address to Canadians with a message directed at American consumers.

“It will have real consequences for you, the American people,” he said, saying it would result in higher prices on groceries and other
goods.

“We’re certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs,” Trudeau said, as he warned of a fracture in longstanding Canada-US ties.

The announcement came after Trudeau met with Canadian lawmakers.

“We did not want this, but Canada is prepared,” Trudeau said before the announcement in a post on X.

On Friday, Trudeau had warned of a “forceful and immediate response” if the US followed through with the threat of tariffs.