The Yobe State Agency for Control of AIDS (YOSACA) has disclosed that its monthly allocation stands at a meagre N25,000, severely hampering its capacity to combat HIV effectively.
Speaking at a World AIDS Day event in Damaturu, YOSACA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Jibrin Adamu Damazal, stressed that this funding falls far short of the agency’s operational needs, particularly in supporting vulnerable groups like children, adolescents, and women.
Dr. Damazal called for increased financial support to sustain HIV response efforts, while Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana, representing Governor Mai Mala Buni, reiterated the state government’s commitment to the fight against HIV.
In neighbouring Nasarawa State, progress has been noted, with HIV cases decreasing from 6,614 in 2022 to 2,934 in 2024.
However, the Executive Director of NASACA, Dr. Ruth Nabe-Bello, highlighted ongoing challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and limited healthcare access for key populations.
