Nigeria's Plateau State Plans HIV Care After Donor Exit

After 25 years of international support, Nigeria's Plateau State is stepping up to take full ownership of its HIV response as donor funding winds down.

The state government and health partners are developing a comprehensive five-year transition plan to sustain HIV prevention, treatment and care for nearly 49,000 people currently receiving antiretroviral therapy. The plan includes integrating HIV services into the state health insurance system and sourcing antiretroviral drugs locally to ensure uninterrupted treatment access.

Ibinibo Chukwuemeka from APIN Public Health Initiatives says the changing funding landscape requires greater government ownership. APIN has supported HIV services in Plateau State since the early 2000s, expanding treatment access to rural communities and primary healthcare facilities across the region.

The shift reflects a broader transformation across Nigeria. In June, the federal government launched a national strategic plan prioritizing domestic financing and reducing dependence on donor support for HIV programs.

The stakes are personal for thousands of families. As of September 2025, 51,370 people in Plateau State were living with HIV, including 1,835 children receiving treatment. Ensuring their access to life-saving medications remains uninterrupted is the central focus of the transition.

The Ripple Effect

This transition represents more than financial restructuring. By taking ownership of HIV services, Plateau State is building a sustainable healthcare system that can weather funding changes and protect vulnerable populations for decades to come.

The approach could serve as a model for other Nigerian states and African countries facing similar donor funding declines. When governments invest in their own health infrastructure, they create stability that external support alone cannot guarantee.

Health officials, government ministries and community stakeholders are working together to ensure no one falls through the cracks during the transition. The collaboration demonstrates how local ownership can strengthen rather than weaken health outcomes.

Success will depend on sustained government funding and effective planning, but Plateau State is proving that donor dependence doesn't have to be permanent.