President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the transition committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, to ensure that the achievements of the HIV programme are clearly highlighted in transition notes.

Buhari also ordered the SGF to ensure that a sustainability roadmap is articulated for the incoming administration.

The President gave the directive during an audience with the Director–General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, and the Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari assured the United States Government that Nigeria would continue to prioritise the fight against HIV/AIDS until the disease was no longer a public health threat.

He added that his administration remains committed to eradicating HIV and other public health emergencies and would leave no stone unturned until a sustainable system is put in place.

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Welcoming the progress made in the collective fight to end AIDS in Nigeria, President Buhari congratulated the NACA DG for a job well done.

“I wish to acknowledge the important role played in enabling the significant infrastructural investment developed over the years for HIV control, to the fight against COVID-19, Monkeypox, Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases affecting our people.

“Gradually our determined efforts with the support of our friends, the nation’s preparedness and capacity to respond to public health emergencies is growing stronger by the day.

“To this end, the Federal Government will continue to work with the leadership of the Governors Forum and the organized private sector to continue to provide adequate resources and sustainable financing for the national response to HIV,” Buhari said.

On her part, Phee said the presence of herself and her team “shows the esteem in which we hold you (President Buhari) and your country,” adding that they were proud to be partners in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

The Assistant Secretary of State also commended President Buhari for not pursuing a third term in office and his commitment to free and fair polls in the forthcoming general election.

“You are a leader for the sub-region, for the continent, and for the world,” Phee added.

Also speaking, Leonard said she was thrilled at the strides Nigeria took in combating AIDS, describing it as an “amazing achievement”.

The Star