Benue Sets Up Seven-Man Team for Health Programme Sustainability
Benue State Establishes Technical Team to Sustain Health Programs
The Benue State Government, alongside health stakeholders, has formed a seven-member technical team to devise a sustainable transition plan following the reduction of international donor funding from the APIN Public Health Initiatives. This initiative takes place as APIN, which previously operated as the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria, gradually concludes its interventions within the state.
The newly appointed team, led by the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, is tasked with identifying sustainability gaps, prioritizing essential interventions, and exploring financing options. The team is expected to develop a comprehensive and costed action plan within a week for submission to the State Executive Council.
Secretary to the State Government Deborah Aber announced the formation of the team during a review meeting of the APIN State program and sustainability performance scorecard in Makurdi this past weekend. She stated the team will include representatives from various government agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Finance, the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, the State Health Insurance Agency, and others.
Aber commended APIN for its effective development cooperation, highlighting that the initiative has provided HIV treatment to over 183,000 people through services across 264 health facilities. She emphasized the significance of bolstering domestic financing and ensuring the integration of successful health interventions into the government’s health systems to safeguard essential healthcare services from disruptions related to funding changes.
The state government is committed to collaborating with APIN and other development partners to maintain the health sector’s progress, Aber stated, affirming that no patient should be denied necessary treatment due to funding challenges. She also acknowledged APIN’s critical role in HIV/AIDS interventions and the necessity of sustaining the achievements made through its programs.
APIN Public Health Initiatives State Program Lead, Enebi Achimogu, noted that the organization currently delivers HIV/AIDS care services to more than 197,000 residents of Benue State. These services encompass the provision of antiretroviral drugs and other essential interventions aimed at enhancing the health status of individuals living with HIV.
Achimogu highlighted the significant contributions made by the United States Government in funding over the years, which have facilitated improved access to HIV/AIDS treatment and care throughout the state. However, he warned that reduced funding necessitates that the state government begin preparations to assume greater responsibility for sustaining these vital services.
He also urged the Benue State Government to implement the State Health Insurance Scheme as part of a long-term strategy to increase access to healthcare and alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses for residents.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services Paul Ogwuche acknowledged that efforts from APIN and other partners have greatly improved the lives of individuals living with HIV in Benue State. He reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining the program while developing strategies to retain its workforce and ensure the continuation of essential services provided through the initiative.
The recent performance review meeting provided stakeholders an opportunity to evaluate the program’s successes and address sustainability challenges, aiming to enhance government ownership and financing of HIV/AIDS services in Benue State.
