HIV-Positive People War With NACA

Over 300 protesters under the umbrella of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) on Monday, November 3 stormed the office of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, protesting their inability to access anti-retro viral drugs and ongoing withdrawal of financial support to HIV/AIDS by external funding partners.

The angry HIV Positive persons who shut down activities at NACA’s office, also complained about the non-implementation of the Comprehensive Response Plan inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan to bridge the existing treatment access gaps.

The angry protesters stormed the office of NACA as early as 6am and blocked the major entrance to the office of the Director-General of NACA, Professor John Idoko, preventing him and some staff of the agency from entering their offices.

Leading the protesters who stormed the NACA office with bed sheets and other sleeping materials, spokesperson for NEPWHAN Mr. Sumaila Garba told newsmen that they intend to lock up NACA office for 25 days to show their seriousness.

The Federal Government had appropriated N140bn for the PCRC, out of which only N8bn has reportedly been released.