The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has revealed plans to begin the domestic production of HIV-related products, including test kits and antiretroviral drugs, by the end of 2025.
Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori made the announcement on Friday in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the launch of the Kwara Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission and Pediatrics ART Acceleration Committee.
She explained that local production is part of the government’s strategy to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Ilori further outlined other key initiatives aimed at this goal, including enrolling all Nigerians in the national health insurance scheme, mobilising resources at the state level, and enhancing advocacy efforts. She also highlighted the importance of supporting HIV vaccine research and innovation.
“We are working towards an AIDS-Free Generation, and it’s critical that no child in Kwara State is born HIV-positive,” Dr. Ilori said, urging stakeholders to assist in creating a comprehensive list of children born to HIV-positive parents to help accelerate pediatric ART nationwide.
Additionally, Dr. Ilori noted that the Minister of State for Health has established a national acceleration committee, with similar efforts being implemented at the state level to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission and improve real-time monitoring of HIV programs.
