ATM Funding: Anambra Govt urges Inclusivity, Accountability for Sustainability

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State government has stressed the importance of inclusivity and accountability for adequate preparations towards eventual transition from donor dependency to domestically-driven ownership and sustainability.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike stated this at stakeholder meeting to validate the HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) Cost of Doing Business Assessment and discuss their transition for sustainability.

The 3-day engagement was organized by Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) in collaboration with National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and with support from Global Fund.

He said the meeting was opportunity to reflect on the state’s current position, identify priority actions and to agree on how best to sustainably position ATM services within the broader health agenda of the state.

He said, “As we all know, HIV, TB, and Malaria continue to pose significant public health and socio-economic challenges in our state and across the nation.

“Tremendous progress has been recorded over the years, largely through the invaluable support of international partners, civil society organisations, community actors, and our front-line health workers.

“However, we are at a crucial point where the sustainability of these gains requires deliberate planning, efficient resource mobilization and strong collaboration.

“This assessment of the cost of doing business provides us with evidence to understand the true cost of programme delivery, identify bottlenecks, and streamline systems for efficiency.

“More importantly, it will guide us in ensuring value for money, strengthening accountability, and preparing adequately for an eventual transition from donor dependency to domestically-driven ownership and sustainability.

“Today’s meeting is not just about validating data but about shaping our collective response for the future.

“It is an opportunity to interrogate the findings, provide constructive inputs, and align on strategies that guarantee uninterrupted access to HIV, TB and Malaria services for our people—especially the most vulnerable among us.

“This meeting also offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on where we are, to identify priority actions, and to agree on how best to sustainably position HIV, TB, and Malaria services within the broader health agenda of our state.

“We must ensure that these essential services are not seen as vertical programmes but are effectively integrated into our health system in ways that enhance efficiency, equity, and resilience.”

While commending partners, including Global Fund, UNAIDS, NACA, Implementing Partners and other stakeholders for their contributions, Obidike assured the recommendations from the dialogue would serve as guiding framework for government and partners in ensuring sustainable access to ATM services for the beneficiaries.

“Your dedication to the health and well being of our citizens remains invaluable. As we deliberate today, let us be guided by the principles of inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability.

“Together, we must ensure that the systems we strengthen today will outlive external support and guarantee the health security of generations to come.

“Thus, we can and we must build a future where HIV, TB and Malaria no longer pose threats to our people’s health and socio-economic wellbeing,” he added.

Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Dr. Temitope Ilori urged states to reprioritize their priorities to mitigate challenges of decline in donor funding.

Ilori, represented by Director, Community Prevention, Care and Support Department, James Anenih said states should not only take ownership of Nigeria’s HIV response, but focus on home-grown solutions.

She said, “Everyone is aware that the whole world is pulling back resources that we used to have for issues like HIV, Malaria and TP. Countries are reprioritizing their priorities and Nigeria has to follow suit.

“A sustainability framework has been developed at the national level which states are expected to leverage on to develop their own specific sustainability plan.

“In view of their peculiarities, including priorities, budgetary allocations and release, each state, if you like, should cut their coats according to their size.

“The output of this workshop is expected to feed into the sustainability plan for the state, including boosting local pharmaceutical production, scaling up community leadership, and integrating services into existing health systems.”

Assuring supports to states in developing the sustainability plan, NACA boss called on stakeholders to put in their best to ensure the target was achieved.

“We’ll continue to provide the needed support even after the development of the plans and to monitor the process to ensure they align with the framework.

Earlier, Executive Director, Anambra SACA, Johnbosco Ementa said the meeting was to safeguard and strengthen gains achieved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“The engagement will focus on ensuring sustainability through shared commitment, innovative financing, and effective governance, in alignment with the National Sustainability Roadmap,” he said.