N-SHIP Pays Advocacy Visit to KTHSMB General Manager to Promote HIV/AIDS Ownership and Sustainability

The Nigerian Sustainability HIV/AIDS Impact Project (N-SHIP) paid an advocacy visit to the General Manager of the Katsina State Hospital Services Management Board (KTHSMB), Dr. Muhammad Nazir Shehu, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV/AIDS response, promote state ownership, and ensure the sustainability of HIV services in Katsina State.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and healthcare stakeholders in sustaining gains made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and integrating HIV services into the broader healthcare delivery system.

The advocacy visit focused on promoting:

• State ownership of HIV/AIDS programmes and interventions.
• Sustainability of HIV/AIDS services through increased government commitment.
• Integration of HIV services into routine healthcare delivery across health facilities in Katsina State.
• Strengthened collaboration among key stakeholders to improve access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, and care services.

The delegation emphasized that sustainable healthcare systems require greater local leadership, strategic planning, and institutional commitment to ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery.

The N-SHIP advocacy team comprised representatives from key organizations involved in Nigeria's HIV/AIDS response:

• Samson Omoighe – National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP)
• Pharm. Zach Bako – Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN)
• Umar Ayuba – State AIDS and STIs Control Programme (SASCP), Katsina State Ministry of Health
• Alh. Sule – Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Katsina State

During the meeting, the delegation engaged the General Manager on strategies to strengthen HIV/AIDS programme ownership, improve service integration, and enhance the long-term sustainability of HIV interventions across health facilities managed by KTHSMB.

In his remarks, Dr. Muhammad Nazir Shehu appreciated the delegation for the advocacy visit and reaffirmed the Board's commitment to supporting initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and public health outcomes. He emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships in ensuring that HIV prevention, treatment, and care services remain accessible, integrated, and sustainable.

The General Manager also reiterated KTHSMB's commitment to working closely with relevant agencies and development partners to strengthen health systems and improve the quality of care for all residents of Katsina State.

The advocacy visit marks another important step in fostering stronger partnerships for a sustainable HIV/AIDS response in Katsina State. By promoting government ownership, integrated healthcare services, and collaborative action, stakeholders continue to build a resilient health system capable of meeting current and future public health needs.

KTHSMB remains committed to supporting evidence-based interventions and strategic partnerships that advance quality healthcare and improve the well-being of communities across the state.