ACOMIN Calls for Urgent Action Over HIV/AIDS Test Kit Shortage in Taraba State

The Association of Civil Society Organizations on Malaria Control, Immunizations, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has raised concerns over a shortage of HIV/AIDS test kits in Taraba State, calling for urgent intervention to prevent disruptions in screening and treatment efforts.

During an advocacy visit to the REDAID Nigeria Foundation, Essential Drug Office, and Taraba AIDS Control Agency (TACA) on Thursday, ACOMIN's state chairman, Muhd Danburam, highlighted the growing need for medical supplies.

A recent evaluation of 18 Primary Healthcare Centers in Ardo-Kola, Bali, and Takum Local Government Areas revealed that several facilities had limited or no HIV/AIDS testing kits. In some cases, patients had to pay for tests due to supply shortages.

“The lack of testing kits could significantly slow down efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Taraba State,” Danburam stated, urging the government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action.

In response, Pinkai Bade, State Coordinator of the Logistics Management Coordinating Unit (LMCU), acknowledged that supply chain challenges have affected distribution. He pointed to the withdrawal of U.S. government funding for Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS programs as a contributing factor.

Despite this, Bade emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to closing HIV treatment gaps and achieving Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) targets by 2030.

Bala Zungyeri, Secretary of the Taraba AIDS Control Agency (TACA), and Stanley Nfor, State Technical Officer of REDAID Nigeria, stressed that donor organizations cannot meet the rising demand alone. They called on the government to step in and provide essential support to sustain HIV/AIDS programs across the state.