Akwa Ibom To The Rescue: State Rethinks HIV Response Amid U.S. Fund Withdrawal

The Akwa Ibom State Government has described the withdrawal of foreign aid for HIV as a wake-up call for Nigeria, emphasizing the need to prioritize local strategies for sustainable healthcare solutions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop on evidence-based advocacy for gender-responsive HIV, TB, and malaria response in Uyo, the Programme Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA), Emabong Akpan, highlighted the urgency of strengthening local health interventions.

“The era of integration is here. The recent withdrawal of U.S. foreign aid for HIV has reinforced the importance of self-reliance, and we are committed to enhancing local responses. Strong advocacy remains a key driver of sustainable funding and improved healthcare delivery,” Akpan stated.

He urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to leverage their training to push for policies that ensure long-term funding and gender-responsive healthcare interventions.

In his keynote address, Hon. Moses Essien, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House Committee on Health, underscored the importance of gender-sensitive policies in tackling HIV, TB, and malaria, noting that these diseases disproportionately affect women, girls, and marginalized communities who struggle with access to proper care.

“I believe the knowledge and skills gained from this workshop will contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system—one that effectively addresses gender-related barriers and ensures vulnerable populations are not left behind,” Essien said.

He also reaffirmed the state legislature’s commitment to supporting advocacy initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery across Akwa Ibom.