The Chairman of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Bauchi State Chapter, Abdulahi Ibrahim, has expressed concern over the withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from HIV/AIDS interventions.
According to the Voice of Nigeria publication, Ibrahim noted their withdrawal poses a great risk within the state and asserted that the shortage of treatment centres, lack of clinical support, and essential services can lead to the spread of the disease.
While issuing a warning, emphasised the lack of treatment could result in drug resistance and complications.
“We have more than 22,000 volunteers in the state, many of whom are currently jobless and unable to assist with caregiving,” Ibrahim emphasised.
The Chairman of NEPWHAN stressed that the state government should include volunteers in the health system and include HIV/AIDS patients in the Bauchi State Health Contributory Scheme.
Ibrahim raised concerns about the struggles of vulnerable groups, especially the unemployed and those in remote areas, warning that the ongoing drug shortage could trigger a public health crisis.
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He urged the revival of the Bauchi State Resource Mobilisation Committee to improve funding and patient care.
Also, Dr. Adamu Sambo, Chairman of the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Malaria (BACATMA), assured that the state government had a plan to sustain healthcare services.
He acknowledged the impact of USAID’s withdrawal on community outreach but confirmed that treatment centres still had drug supplies.
Sambo emphasised the government’s commitment to providing medication and working with partners to ensure continued access to care.
