Niger State has achieved a successful reduction in the overall HIV prevalence from 4.5% in 2001 to 0.7% in 2018, an increase in ART coverage amongst people living with HIV (PLHIV) from 48% to over 81%, and an improved viral suppression rate of 94%.
However, some challenges still hinder the HIV response efforts in the state, particularly the heavy reliance on partner support, limited government funding, and the overall program leadership.
To address these challenges, the Niger State government, with the support of the USAID-funded ACE 4 project implemented by CCCRN, SCIDaR, ARFH, and Jhpeigo, developed a comprehensive HIV Sustainability Manual. This roadmap outlines a clear path for ensuring a sustainable HIV response in the state.
On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the State Governor, represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Secondary and Tertiary Health, chaired the launch of the manual, which was attended by other Commissioners, such as the Ministries of Youth and Sport and Women Affairs, other government stakeholders, religious leaders, civil society organizations, NEPWHAN and ASHWHAN Coordinators, Facilities’ Heads of Hospital Services, and partner representatives.
While unveiling the manual, the Honorable Commissioner stressed the need for sustainable health financing, especially HIV services. He also assured the participants of the government’s support to ensure full implementation of the sustainability framework contained in the manual.
What will this manual do, or help achieve?
The manual was developed to define a clear pathway for:
- Mobilizing local resources to support the HIV program
- Ensuring sustained HIV service delivery through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS)
- Strengthening program and personnel capacity to guide implementation, and
- Serve as a tool to guide collaboration and partnerships among government, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
The launch event also provided the platform to inspire support and commitment from all government and partner stakeholders to integrate into the implementation of the sustainability plan, including the provision and integration of plans and resources, participation in program coordination, and capacity strengthening for government personnel and systems.
SCIDaR and the ACE 4 team remain committed to empowering Niger State with the necessary support to deliver quality HIV care in the state.
