HIV Treatment Remains Free at Government Facilities – NACA DG

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has dismissed social media claims that the subsidy for Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has been withdrawn.

In a statement on Sunday, March 9, in Abuja, NACA Director-General Temitope Ilori refuted the claim that ART would now cost N250,000 per dose, with patients required to pay N500,000 monthly, calling it false and misleading.

“We want to categorically state that HIV treatment in Nigeria remains free of charge at government-approved health facilities,” she said.

“We give thanks to donor agencies, including the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund, and other development partners for their continued support.

“There has been no withdrawal of funding or support from the US Government, USAID, or the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding HIV treatment in Nigeria.”

Ilori reaffirmed NACA’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to HIV treatment, emphasizing that collaboration with donor partners remains strong in providing free and accessible care.

She urged the public to disregard the misinformation and avoid unnecessary panic, stressing that sustaining progress in controlling HIV/AIDS remains a top priority.

The Director-General also warned against spreading unverified information, noting that it can create unwarranted fear and hinder efforts to combat the disease.

“We encourage Nigerians to rely on verified sources for health-related information.

NACA remains committed to ensuring that no person living with HIV is denied access to life-saving treatment due to misinformation or fear,” she said.