The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently invest in local production of HIV drugs and commodities, warning that Nigeria’s HIV response is at risk due to declining foreign funding.
Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, MAW, National Chairman of ACPN, made the call in a statement on Monday, 1 December 2025, to mark World HIV Day, themed “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” He stressed that Nigeria must reduce its reliance on external support to safeguard progress in HIV prevention and treatment.
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“The recent reduction in funding from international donors, particularly the United States, should prompt decisive government action,” Ezeh said.
He emphasised that stronger domestic investment and policy commitment are crucial to maintaining gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Highlighting the urgency, he noted that Nigeria records an estimated 1,400 new HIV infections and 50,000 AIDS-related deaths weekly, with 1.9 million people living with HIV.
Ezeh proposed key measures to strengthen the national response, including federal approval of long-acting injectables, Cabotegravir 600 mg and Rilpivirine 900 mg, to reduce pill burden and improve adherence.
He also stressed the importance of integrating community pharmacists into testing, counselling, and antiretroviral (ARV) distribution, noting their vital role in ensuring continuity of care and accurate reporting amid funding gaps.
The ACPN chairman urged investment in domestic production of ARVs, diagnostic kits, and essential consumables to ensure sustainability and reduce donor dependence.
He concluded by expressing solidarity with people living with HIV and called on all stakeholders to recommit to ending the epidemic: “Local manufacturing and community pharmacy integration must now become national priorities to protect treatment continuity and strengthen Nigeria’s health system resilience.”
