World TB Day 2026: AHF Nigeria Engages Kogi Assembly, Seeks Increased Funding for HIV, TB, Others

World TB Day 2026: AHF Nigeria Engages Kogi Assembly, Advocates Increased Budgetary Allocation for HIV/AIDS, TB, Others
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
As the world marks the 2026 Tuberculosis Day, a Non-Governmental Organization, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria), has taken its advocacy to the Kogi State House of Assembly, urging lawmakers to ensure increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, particularly for HIV and Tuberculosis (TB).

The organization said the appeal has become necessary due to significant reductions in international donor funding, which has limited the support available for HIV/AIDS and TB programmes.
The Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Mr. Steve Aborisade, made the call during an advocacy meeting with the leadership of the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja, as part of activities marking the 2026 World TB Day.
Aborisade, while acknowledging the progress recorded in HIV/AIDS treatment in Nigeria, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among Implementing Partners (IPs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the government to ensure increased local resource mobilisation for HIV/AIDS and TB.
He said, “This is the only way to sustain the gains that have been made and mitigate the impact of reduced funding from some international donor agencies.”
He further noted that although there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, treatment programmes remain effective. However, he warned that unless stakeholders and government deliberately commit local resources to HIV/AIDS and TB, there is a risk of losing the progress already achieved.
Aborisade explained that AHF and its partners visited the Kogi State House of Assembly to seek the support of lawmakers in strengthening efforts against HIV/AIDS and TB through increased budgetary allocation.
According to him, it has become necessary for Nigeria and other African countries to step in and bridge funding gaps caused by declining foreign donor support. He added that AHF has appealed to the legislative arm of government to ensure adequate resources are consistently allocated to HIV/AIDS and TB interventions.
He disclosed that AHF operates in 50 countries globally and provides services in 14 African countries, including Nigeria, where it currently works in seven states, including Benue, offering HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.
In his response, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Yusuf, commended the efforts of the coalition of NGOs and pledged continued collaboration.
Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Usman Ochidi, the Speaker noted that the engagement had provided valuable insights and encouraged AHF and its partners to actively participate during budget processes. He assured that the legislative framework would be used to support the health sector.
Ochidi urged AHF and its partners to be present during budget defence sessions to contribute meaningfully toward increasing allocations to the sector.
He also called on members of the National Assembly to leverage legislative instruments to ensure that health sector budgets are not only approved but also released promptly.
Furthermore, Ochidi emphasized the need for intensified public sensitization on the dangers of TB and the efforts being made by relevant agencies to combat the disease.
He commended AHF for its commitment to tackling HIV/AIDS and other public health challenges and assured continued support in the fight against the diseases.
In separate remarks, stakeholders including the Chairman of KONGONET and INGRA, Hamza Aliyu; Ambassador Muraina Ozovehe; Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, Kogi State Programme Officer for TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer; and Dr. Murna Yashim Ankint, Senior Programme Officer, Human Virology Abuja, called for stronger government intervention through increased budgetary allocation to the public health sector to cushion the effects of dwindling donor support.