By joshua
Cishan Welcomes 2026 UN HIV/AIDS Declaration, Urges Nigeria To Boost Domestic Funding, Put Communities At The Centre
The Civil Society for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, CiSHAN, in a statement signed by Hamza Aliyu, Executive Secretary, CiSHAN welcomed the adoption of the 2026 United Nations Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS at the UN High-Level Meeting, describing it as a renewed global roadmap to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
CiSHAN said the timing is critical. With international funding for HIV declining, competing national priorities rising, and persistent challenges around human rights, equity and access, the declaration’s strong endorsement by Member States reaffirms that ending AIDS remains achievable. The platform stressed that this will only happen if governments, communities, civil society, development partners and affected populations work together with honesty, urgency and commitment.
“In Nigeria, communities remain the backbone of the response,” CiSHAN stated. Community-based organisations, networks of people living with HIV, youth and women-led groups, key population networks, faith-based actors and grassroots CSOs continue to reach those often left behind. Their work covers HIV testing, treatment literacy, adherence counselling, stigma reduction, TB/HIV referrals, community-led monitoring, advocacy and accountability at the last mile.
CiSHAN emphasized that these actors are not just beneficiaries. They are trusted voices, service connectors, monitors and implementation partners. Their role is vital in reaching people living with HIV, adolescents, women and girls, key populations, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other groups facing barriers to prevention, treatment, care and support.
While acknowledging ongoing support from international partners, CiSHAN called on the Federal and State Governments to increase domestic investment in HIV, TB and community systems. “International support should complement national efforts, not replace government responsibility,” the statement read. The platform urged stronger country ownership through increased budgetary allocation, timely release of funds, social contracting with community organisations, expanded health insurance coverage for people living with HIV, and sustainable financing for prevention, treatment, care and support.
The group noted that the new Political Declaration aligns directly with Nigeria’s Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 process and national sustainability discussions. It reinforces priorities around community systems strengthening, human rights, gender equality, stigma reduction, integrated HIV/TB services, access to medicines and commodities, and meaningful participation of civil society and affected communities in planning, implementation, monitoring and governance.
CiSHAN also urged the international community — multilateral agencies, bilateral donors, philanthropic organisations and technical partners — to sustain predictable, flexible and responsive solidarity with Nigeria and other high-burden countries. It warned that financing transitions must strengthen national systems and protect vulnerable populations, not create service gaps.
As the national coordinating platform for CSOs working on HIV/AIDS, CiSHAN reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing local efforts toward national and global targets. Through its nationwide network, the organisation will continue to drive advocacy, community engagement, service demand creation, treatment literacy, accountability, and protection of the rights and dignity of all people affected by HIV.
“Nigeria can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” CiSHAN concluded. “But that will require bold political leadership, increased domestic resources, sustained international solidarity, and a deliberate commitment to placing communities at the centre of the response.”