In a major boost for Nigeria’s health sector, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved nearly ₦10 billion to keep HIV/AIDS treatment free and bring much-needed upgrades to cancer care facilities across the country.
The move, hailed as a critical step towards strengthening the nation’s healthcare system, comes after two memos from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare were presented at Wednesday’s State House meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, told RootedScope Media correspondents that the funds will ensure uninterrupted supply of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and modernize radiotherapy services in key cancer treatment centres.
Under the first approval, ₦9.99 billion has been earmarked for the procurement of ARVs through FixingHealthCare, guaranteeing continued free access for people living with HIV/AIDS nationwide.
Dr. Salako reassured that fears of potential shortages earlier this year had been addressed. “Nigeria has a policy of providing free drugs to people living with HIV and AIDS. With this approval, the anxiety is laid to rest,” he said. He added that the contract also promotes local pharmaceutical production through a partnership between a Nigerian firm and a global brand, supporting President Tinubu’s drive to strengthen the domestic health sector.
The second approval focuses on replacing, upgrading, and providing training for radiotherapy equipment in six cancer centres, one in each geopolitical zone, to improve access to modern cancer care.
“The memo covers the upgrade of cancer treatment facilities to ensure radiotherapy, a critical component of cancer care, continues efficiently across these centres,” Dr. Salako explained.
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