• Nigeria approves 9.99 billion naira for HIV treatment, cancer care
• Funding ensures free antiretroviral drugs, boosts local pharmaceutical production
• Radiotherapy upgrades, medical training funded amid progress toward 95-95-95 targets

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 9.99 billion naira ($7.2 million) in funding to support HIV/AIDS treatment and strengthen cancer care capacities in the country.

The funds were allocated to the company Fixing Health Care to ensure continued free HIV/AIDS treatment. They are also expected to help strengthen local pharmaceutical production through a partnership between a Nigerian company and an international pharmaceutical brand.

"We know that Nigeria has a policy of providing free drugs to people living with HIV and AIDS. Earlier in the year, there was some anxiety that Nigeria was going to run out of ARV," Minister of State for Health Dr. Iziaq Salako said.

Furthermore, this funding will strengthen radiotherapy equipment in six cancer treatment centers while supporting the training of medical personnel.

Nigeria has made notable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS in recent years. Approximately 87% of people living with the virus now know their HIV status. Among them, 98% receive antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of patients under treatment have achieved viral suppression. These results indicate that the country is gradually approaching the 95-95-95 global targets.

Despite these significant advances, several challenges persist. Regional inequalities in access to care, a lack of specialized personnel, and difficulties in ensuring the continuity of services in rural or remote areas continue to hamper treatment efforts.

Ingrid Haffiny