By Rosemary Caleb
The Federal Executive Council FEC has approved a N4.8Bn package to sustain HIV treatment programs across the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate made the announcement following a FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The approved funds will cover 150,000 treatment packs for HIV patients over the next 4 months.
According to the minister,” This is an important signal that the federal government is committed to ensuring that life saving treatments remain accessible, despite the changing dynamics in external support”
The Minister thanked the U.S government for its support over the last 20 years and look forward to continued collaboration. He said Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu is focused on transforming the health sector through national systems and domestic financing adding ” Our goal is to ensure that no patient currently receiving treatment is left without care”
Pate also announced the establishment of a committee tasked with developing a transition and sustainability plan for the continuity of critical health programs. The committee will include representives from various ministries and the Nigeria Governors ‘Forum.
