CMD Seeks Stronger Partnerships as Donor Funding Cuts Threaten HIV Treatment in Nasarawa
DASH Akwanga boss raises concern over looming service gaps, calls for sustained collaboration with stakeholders
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Chief Medical Director of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Dr. Esala E. Abene, has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders in the health sector amid growing concerns over dwindling donor funding for HIV treatment in Nigeria.
This comes as the CMD received a delegation from the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), one of the major partners supporting HIV and tuberculosis programmes in the state.
Dr. Abene described the withdrawal of support by donor agencies as a significant threat to the sustainability of HIV treatment services, warning that it could create serious disruptions if urgent measures are not taken. He, however, expressed optimism that government and relevant stakeholders would rise to the challenge and ensure continuity of care for patients.
Addressing the status of IHVN’s ad hoc staff, the CMD disclosed that necessary submissions had been forwarded to appropriate authorities for consideration, stressing that their expertise remains vital to service delivery. He cautioned that disengaging the personnel at this critical time would leave a major gap in the system.
He further appealed for patience and understanding from the staff during the transition period, noting that temporary office arrangements may remain less than ideal until the completion of a new facility.
Earlier, the IHVN State Manager, Dr. Eze Oka, congratulated Dr. Abene on his appointment and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the hospital. He highlighted IHVN’s two-decade presence in Nasarawa State, where it has been implementing donor-funded HIV and TB programmes.
Dr. Oka revealed that the institute currently operates across 126 health facilities in the state, in partnership with other organizations, covering Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba Local Government Areas.
He added that although disengagement of ad hoc staff was initially scheduled for the end of March, stakeholders have agreed to extend their engagement until June, with an official letter of extension expected to formalize the decision.
