The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, MAW, has called for urgent investment in the local production of HIV/AIDS drugs and commodities as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate World HIV Day on Monday, December 1, 2025.
In a statement marking the day, themed “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” Ezeh warned that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on external donors poses a significant risk, especially in light of recent cuts in international funding.
“The recent cut in funding support from the United States Government should awaken the Federal Government of Nigeria to take decisive action,” he said, stressing that increased local investment and firmer policy commitments are crucial to sustaining the country’s progress in HIV prevention and treatment.
Ezeh noted that although Nigeria’s HIV response has a history of resilience — built on innovation, partnerships, and strong advocacy — current global uncertainties demand renewed strategies.
“Today’s shifting geopolitical landscape and funding uncertainties demand that Nigeria rethinks, rebuilds, and rises with strategies grounded in evidence-based policymaking, innovation, and multi-sectoral collaboration,” he added.
He expressed concern over alarming statistics: Nigeria recorded an estimated 1,400 new HIV infections and 50,000 AIDS-related deaths weekly in 2023, with about 1.9 million Nigerians currently living with HIV.
To address these challenges, the ACPN chairman outlined three key recommendations:
- Adopt long-acting injectable antiretroviral regimens: He urged the federal government to approve Cabotegravir 600 mg and Rilpivirine 900 mg for eligible persons, noting that long-acting injectables could reduce pill burden, enhance adherence, and improve treatment outcomes.
- Strengthen partnerships with community pharmacists: Ezeh emphasized that community pharmacists already contribute significantly to HIV testing, counselling, and antiretroviral refills. He said deeper integration of pharmacy services would improve case finding, treatment continuity, and national data reporting, particularly amid dwindling global support.
- Promote local manufacturing of HIV commodities: He called for government investment in producing antiretrovirals, diagnostic kits, and essential consumables locally as a way to improve sustainability, reduce dependency on foreign donors, and prevent treatment disruption.
Ezeh concluded by expressing solidarity with people living with HIV and urging renewed national commitment: “As we mark World HIV Day, the Association extends warm solidarity to all people living with HIV and appreciation to every stakeholder committed to ending this epidemic. May today remind us of our collective responsibility and inspire transformative action.”
The ACPN statement positions community pharmacists as central players in Nigeria’s HIV response and reinforces local drug manufacturing as a strategic priority for ensuring long-term health system resilience.
