World AIDS Day 2025: Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre raises concern over dwindling foreign aids

Image caption: CEO Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre, Victor Olawuyi

World AIDS Day 2025: Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre raises concern over dwindling foreign aids

Yinka ADETUNJI

The CEO & lead consultant, Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Victor Olawuyi, has expressed strong concerns over the dwindling funding of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by foreign partners.

Olawuyi observed that this shift in international support for AIDS demands greater responsibility on the part of the Nigerian government and other stakeholders.

This message is contained in a press statement he issued commemorating World AIDS Day 2025.

“As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2025, Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre stands with global and national partners in reaffirming our commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat. Yet this year comes with a critical warning: the global landscape of HIV funding is rapidly changing, and Nigeria must prepare,” Olawuyi noted.

“Recent shifts in international support, including the progressive withdrawal and reduction of US-led funding streams, have created significant concerns for long-term sustainability of HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services.”

He stresses that over the years assistance from foreign countries on AIDS sustained the battle against the dreadful disease, emphasizing the situation is now changing and that the Nigeria government must rise to the occasion.

“For more than a decade, foreign assistance has supported large portions of Nigeria’s HIV response. That era is ending, and our national resilience must begin.

“This is not a crisis to fear; it is a call to responsibility. It is time for Nigeria to own its HIV response.”

While urging improved local production of HIV test kits and Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs), strengthening supply chain and ensuring standard test devices and materials, he maintains the disease is “preventable, testable and treatable.”

“At Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre, we strongly advocate three urgent priorities:

1. Local production of HIV Test Kits and Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs)

“National reliance on imported diagnostics and ARVs exposes communities to stock-outs, inflated costs, and unpredictable geopolitical disruptions. Expanding local manufacturing capacity will strengthen availability, lower cost, and ensure that every Nigerian who needs testing or treatment can access it without interruption.

“2. Strengthening the supply chain from port to patient

“HIV commodities must move through the system with precision. We call for improved logistics management systems, transparent procurement processes, and safer storage and distribution standards. A fragile supply chain means delayed diagnoses, treatment lapses, and irreversible community impact.

“3. Strict regulatory oversight for all In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) devices

“Substandard or counterfeit diagnostics are dangerous. Nigeria must reinforce its quality control and surveillance systems for all IVDs. Ensuring that every HIV test kit, reagent, and device meets international standards is essential for clinical accuracy, public safety, and national credibility.

“Despite these pressures, the core message of World AIDS Day remains unchanged:

HIV is preventable, testable, and treatable. No one should be left behind.”

The Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre boss reiterates the centre’s commitment to medical diagnosis, calling on Nigerians to live responsibly in the face of AIDs threats.

“At Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centreour commitment remains strong. Through continuous community outreach, free screening campaigns, school-based education, and stigma-free counselling, we continue to serve as a frontline institution for early detection and public health protection in Ogbomoso and beyond.

“Today, we call on every Nigerian to take decisive action:

• Know your status.

• Support those living with HIV.

• Advocate for a resilient, locally driven health system.

“The future of our HIV response depends not on foreign donors, but on local innovation, leadership, and collective responsibility. Together, we can secure a healthier generation and sustain progress for decades to come.”

Note:

Genesis Medical Diagnostics Centre’s website: genesismedics.ng

Emails: info@genesismedics.ng | genesismedlabs@gmail.com