The Federal Government has unveiled the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) 2026–2030 to shift Nigeria’s HIV response towards greater sustainability and reduced reliance on external funding.
National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Director-General Dr Temitope Ilori announced the plan in Abuja on Thursday. She noted that while Nigeria has made progress in reducing infections and expanding treatment, the current donor-dependent model is no longer viable. “The HIV response stands at a very defining moment… With dwindling external funding, Nigeria must transition to a new business model with emphasis on sustainability, country ownership and a country-led response,” Ilori stated.
The strategy, developed through wide consultations, prioritises integration of HIV services into broader health, education and youth sectors. It emphasises prevention among adolescents, digital solutions, local manufacturing of commodities, and inclusive programming for vulnerable groups. Stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners, called for full implementation to achieve the 95-95-95 targets and move closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
This new plan comes as global funding landscapes shift, putting pressure on resource-limited countries like Nigeria. By fostering domestic financing and ownership, the strategy aims to ensure continuity of services even as donor support declines. Experts believe successful implementation could strengthen the overall health system and serve as a model for other public health programmes.
The launch reflects the government’s commitment to long-term epidemic control and aligns with national development goals. Challenges remain, including stigma reduction, equitable access in rural areas, and securing adequate budgetary allocation. However, the plan’s focus on innovation and integration offers hope for more resilient HIV programming.
As Nigeria marks progress in its HIV journey, sustained political will and multi-sectoral collaboration will be critical to translating the strategy into tangible reductions in new infections and AIDS-related deaths.
