Nigeria unveils new HIV plan, seeks shift from donor dependence to domestic financing

Nigeria has officially unveiled its new National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) for 2026–2030, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's long-term response to the epidemic. This comprehensive plan signals a strategic pivot away from reliance on external donor funding towards a model of domestic financing and government-led initiatives.

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This new Strategic Plan reflects lessons learned from implementation, new evidence from the National HIV Estimates and the need to reposition the response in a rapidly changing global environment.

The unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Thursday highlighted the critical juncture the country's HIV response has reached. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), stated that while Nigeria has achieved substantial progress over the past two decades, including reduced new infections and better treatment access, evolving global financial dynamics necessitate a recalibrated strategy. The NSP is designed to align with current evidence and global priorities, incorporating lessons learned from past implementations.

A central theme of the new plan is the transition to domestic ownership, driven by declining external funding and the need for more cohesive program structures. Ilori explained that the NSP prioritizes integrating HIV services across various sectors, such as health, education, youth development, and justice. The plan's development involved extensive consultations with government bodies, civil society organizations, development partners, and community networks, emphasizing a collective commitment to a resilient and equitable HIV response.

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This Strategic Plan calls on all stakeholders to renew their commitment and work collectively to achieve a resilient, equitable, and sustainable HIV response for Nigeria.

NACA's Deputy Director of Policy, Planning and Coordination, Mariam Ezekwe, presented the framework, noting that Nigeria has made significant strides, including a 52% reduction in new infections since 2010 and approximately 80% of people living with HIV knowing their status as of 2025. However, she stressed that persistent gaps and structural weaknesses in financing and service delivery require focused reforms for the next phase. The plan aims to ensure sustainability and stronger system integration to address these challenges effectively.

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Fifty-two per cent reduction in new infections since 2010, and just about 80 per cent of People Living with HIV/AIDS know their status in 2025. These are the latest data from the Spectrum estimate. And currently we have an estimated 1,985,284 people living with HIV/AIDS.