Dr Lydia Buzaalirwa, Director of Quality Management, AHF Africa Bureau

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called on Government and stakeholders at all levels to scale up their commitment to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and, to end AIDS as a public health challenge in the country.

Dr Lydia Buzaalirwa, Director of Quality Management, AHF Africa Bureau stated this at the 2018 Stakeholders’ Strategic Review Meeting on HIV/AIDS, in Abuja.

Buzaalirwa said it was important that Government at all levels are committed to keeping the promise on funding for HIV response while creating an enabling environment for clients and partners to work effectively.

She mentioned that the Strategic Review Meeting was a significant event as it enables stakeholders to review the effectiveness of the program over the months and identifying areas for quality improvement.

She further commended the states present for their collaborative efforts thus far, while urging state governments and stakeholders to be more committed in maintaining health facilities and the welfare of health professionals.

Dr Echey Ijezie, Country Program Director, AHF-Nigeria stated that AHF, which began operation in 2011, has extended its services to no fewer than 16,000 clients in Nigeria.

Ijezie said AHF-Nigeria works in partnership with government at all levels while ensuring that it delivers cutting-edge medicine and advocacy regardless of client’s ability to pay.

“The states are our strategic partners and we appreciate them for creating an enabling environment for us to work.

“We are hopeful to also `keep the promise’ to all our clients and stakeholders as well as achieve a significant expansion in our programme across the states,’’ he said.

Dr Emmanuel Nwabueze, Medical Director, AHF Nigeria, appealed to state government to prioritize the health needs of its citizens while ensuring that gaps are not created in HIV intervention as donor funds are declining.

“On our part, we are committed to quality service delivery across the states where we work. AHF services are at no cost to clients including: HIV testing services, Anti-retroviral therapy, diagnoses and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases,’’ he added.