FG approves N9.99bn for HIV drugs, cancer centres upgrade

The Federal Government has approved N9.99bn for the procurement of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines for people living with HIV/AIDS and the upgrade of cancer treatment facilities nationwide.

The approval was granted on Wednesday by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting in Abuja. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the State House.

Salako said the intervention would put to rest earlier concerns about a possible shortage of ARV drugs in the country.

“Earlier in the year, there was some anxiety that Nigeria was going to run out of ARVs. With this approval, that anxiety is laid to rest,” he said.

According to the minister, the contract for the procurement of the antiretroviral drugs under the Presidential Treatment Programme has been awarded to Fidson Healthcare at the cost of N9.99bn.

He explained that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s plan to strengthen the healthcare value chain by supporting local pharmaceutical firms in partnership with global brands.

Salako noted that Fidson represents the international pharmaceutical brand Hetero in Nigeria and is working towards establishing local production of ARV drugs.

“One of the key elements of trying to drive local production is to invest. When you provide revenue, the government is patronising them. That creates revenue and a market, encouraging them to invest in additional capacity. I can tell you that Fidson is working very hard to start local production of ARVs,” he said.

Nigeria operates a policy of providing free antiretroviral drugs to people living with HIV and AIDS under the Presidential Treatment Programme, which has kept millions on life-saving therapy.

In a separate approval, the council also endorsed the replacement, upgrade and training support for cancer treatment equipment in six cancer centres, one in each geopolitical zone. The initiative is aimed at ensuring the continued availability of radiotherapy services, a critical component of cancer treatment.

Salako said inadequate equipment, particularly radiotherapy machines, has long hampered cancer care in Nigeria, forcing many patients to seek treatment abroad at high costs. He expressed optimism that the upgrade would improve access to essential cancer services within the country.

On the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak that has claimed the lives of some frontline health workers, the minister said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is actively supporting affected states with additional personnel and materials.

He described Lassa fever as a seasonal public health challenge in Nigeria and revealed that the country is investing in the development of a vaccine.

While awaiting the vaccine, Salako stressed the importance of public awareness and strict adherence to infection prevention protocols, particularly by healthcare workers.

“You must have a high index of suspicion in such seasons like this and ensure that you observe the normal protocol to protect yourself, wear the necessary protective gear,” he advised.

Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks commonly recorded during the dry season between November and May. The disease is transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, as well as through person-to-person transmission in healthcare settings where proper infection control measures are not observed.

Nigeria records hundreds of cases annually, with healthcare workers facing heightened risk, especially when early symptoms are not promptly identified.