In a major stride towards healthcare sustainability, Ebonyi State has been named among six Nigerian states selected to pilot the transition to domestically led responses in combating HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria. This move comes amid the steady reduction in international donor funding.
The announcement was made during a three-day high-level stakeholders’ meeting on the Sustainability Roadmap, jointly organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Daniel Ndukwe, Director of Policy Planning and Coordination at NACA, emphasized the need to reduce dependency on foreign aid.
“Nigeria’s health response must evolve. We can’t keep relying on donors to fight HIV, TB, and Malaria. It’s time to take full ownership and use our institutional frameworks to continue what partners started,” Ndukwe stated.
He called on Ebonyi to ensure full inter-ministerial collaboration beyond the health sector, urging the inclusion of ministries like transport, youth, women affairs, and information to sustain prevention and treatment interventions.
Prince Chibueze Andrew Iteshi, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA), welcomed the transition, noting it signals a shift from donor-driven to government-led health interventions. He urged increased state investment, widespread public sensitization, and greater support for the agency’s focus on prevention and capacity development.
“Currently, over 18,000 individuals are receiving HIV treatment in Ebonyi, yet many in rural areas remain unaware of the disease,” Iteshi said. He recalled a recent outreach in Ogbala Ishieke (Ebonyi LGA) where six residents tested positive instantly.
Iteshi stressed the need for robust media involvement, strong political backing, and engagement of religious and traditional leaders in public education campaigns.
Representing Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Professor Emmanuel Echegu, the Chief of Staff, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to leading the transition.
“This is a defining moment. We must find lasting ways to maintain health services for affected populations now and in the future,” he said.
Other notable attendees included Dr. Moses Ekuma, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health; Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health; Dr. Phillip Ovuoba, Executive Secretary of the PHC Development Agency; Comrade Tony Nwizi, DG of Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation; and Dr. Destiny Nwodom, Coordinator of Ebonyi Development Centre, alongside other top government officials.
The meeting concluded with a firm resolve from stakeholders to integrate HIV, TB, and Malaria responses into state budgetary and planning frameworks, ensuring sustainable healthcare access across the state.
As international support continues to decline, Ebonyi’s inclusion in the pilot scheme highlights its strong commitment to strengthening health systems and achieving the global targets for disease eradication by 2030.
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