ADVOCACY VISIT BY CiSHAN SOKOTO STATE CHAPTER AND SOSACAT TO THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH, SOKOTO STATE
Date: 19/04/2026
Venue: Ministry of Health, Sokoto State
Introduction: The Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN), Sokoto State Chapter, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Agency for the Control of AIDS and Tuberculosis (SOSACAT), paid an advocacy visit to the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Sokoto State. The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration and partnership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and increasing domestic funding of the response in Sokoto state.
Other issues discussed include drug availability, prevention strategies, and awareness creation.
Promote coordinated efforts toward achieving improved health outcomes.
Proceedings:
The delegation from CISHAN and SOSACAT was warmly received by the Honourable Commissioner of Health and key officials of the Ministry. During the meeting, the team presented the current situation of HIV/AIDS interventions in Sokoto State, highlighting the contributions of civil society organizations in service delivery, advocacy, and community engagement.
The Honourable Commissioner appreciated the efforts of both organizations and emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling HIV/AIDS challenges in the state.
Other Areas Discussed Include:
1. Domestic Funding of the Response in the state:
Concerns were raised about the over dependence on donor partners when it comes to funding of the Response which does not promote sustainability and ownership of the Response in the state. The Commissioner was told about the challenges encountered at the state and federal level due to the suspension of funding by the USA government which affected treatment other services supported by Donor partners in the state. The Network emphasized on the urgent need for domestic funding of the Response so that service disruption will not stop across health facilities in the state.
2. Community Engagement and Sensitization:
It was noted that there is still a gap in public awareness, especially in rural communities, hence the need for intensified campaigns, community mobilization, and youth engagement.
Conclusion:
The advocacy visit was successful as the Commissioner reiterated the support of the government in bridging the funding gap through prompt release of funds in line with the money appropriated for SOSACAT in the Budget. He also shared that the sum of 100 million naira has been released by the government for purchase of HIV Test kits and other consumables for the continuous provision of services across health facilities in the state.
See more recent CiSHAN News and Updates:
1. Akwa Ibom State - CiSHAN - 2025 Annual Report
2. Ondo State - CiSHAN - Activity Report
3. Enugu State - CiSHAN Report of Prevention Technical Working Group
4. Delta State - CiSHAN - Report of WAD
5. Download PDF - WAD Commemoration - 2025 - By Sokoto CiSHAN Chapter (1MB)
