The Executive Secretary, Yobe State Agency for Control of AIDS, YOSACA, Dr. Jibrin Adamu Damazai, has lamented that inadequate funding is a significant challenge in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the State
Damazai raised the concern during a recent evet marking this year’s World AIDS Day.
“Increasing funding would allow YOSACA to expand initiatives targeting vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, and women, and ensure the sustainability of HIV response efforts,” he emphasized.
According reports, this issue is not unique to Yobe State, as the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria as a whole has been heavily reliant on donor funding, which has been dwindling in recent years.
Experts, however, warned that the lack of funding has severe consequences, including the inability to provide adequate HIV testing and treatment services.
They advised that, to overcome these challenges, it is essential to increase funding for HIV/AIDS programs, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote awareness and education about the disease.