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

Sunday Dare has slammed El-Rufai and Amaechi for opposing the Tinubu Government.

Dare, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on media and public communication, has described the president’s political opponents as “wannabes.”

Dare said the president is not deterred by the constant barrage of criticism from the opposition

This is coming days after former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, openly criticised Tinubu’s administration.

Recently, El-Rufai accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of founding principles, saying he doesn’t recognise the party the again.

“You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders.

“This is why we end up with the poor leadership we have today,” he said.

In another tweet, the ex-governor, who is still a member of the party said he would criticise the APC even if he was in Tinubu’s government.

On his part, while speaking on how to take power from a sitting president, Amaechi said Tinubu and the political class would not cede power to the younger generation without a fight.

Reacting to their comments on Saturday, Dare said advised president’s “detractors” to wait for the 2027 polls to test their popularity.

“While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria was away in far away Dar es Salaam, capital of Tanzania, his political opponents, detractors, opposition elements, pseudo friends unfolded their Machiavellian inclinations,” he said in a post on X.

“Indeed, while the President was seeking solutions to Nigerias’ energy problems in Dar es Salaam, some “wannabes “were heating up the polity.

“Expectedly, it was a gathering convened to further spread ill will. Nothing new came out of the gathering different from the opposition script we are used to. A few of the participants went overboard in their vitriol, fanning the embers for adopting undemocratic actions.

“These political gladiators have antecedents that are well known. We urge Nigerians to begin their scrutiny early. And choose between political hecklers and real progressives. The clouds are beginning to clear. The stage sets soon. The combat begins.

“Until then, President Tinubu, an avowed democrat remains undistracted and unperturbed. The fight is ahead. Not now. The only conversation he wants to have now is how to improve the lives of Nigerian citizens and constructive discourse on building a resilient economy.”