The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said Nigeria has an HIV prevalence of 1.4% among the general population, 15-64 years with an estimated 2 Million Nigerians Living with HIV.
The Director-General NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, revealed this during a Press conference to mark the week long activities of the 2024 World AIDS Day in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
“An estimated 2 million Nigerians are living with HIV, with children making up a significant and vulnerable segment of this population. Of the total, approximately 160,000 children aged 0 to 14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded in 2023 alone.
“This year, we are placing special emphasis on stopping AIDS among children,” Dr. Ilori said.
Highlighting that prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and pediatric HIV coverage remains critically low, at under 33%, far below the global target of 95%.
The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day, “Take the Rights Path, Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Amongst Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030,” reflects the urgency of addressing these gaps.
Dr. Ilori stressed that achieving the country’s 2030 goal to end AIDS as a public health threat will require intensified efforts, particularly in preventing HIV transmission to children.
“To tackle these challenges, NACA has launched the PMTCT and Pediatric HIV Acceleration Committee, which focuses on ensuring no child is born HIV-positive in Nigeria. Committees are also being rolled out at the state level, engaging governors and other stakeholders in driving localized solutions,” she noted.
Dr. Ilori noted that the agency has been working to strengthen sustainability in the HIV response through initiatives like developing local production capacities for antiretroviral drugs and HIV test kits, as well as creating a national sustainability roadmap.
“These measures aim to safeguard Nigeria’s progress even in the face of donor funding uncertainties,” she said.
Dr. Ilori called for collective action to close the gaps in HIV response and prioritize the health and well-being of affected populations, especially children.
“The numbers remind us of the work ahead, together, we can ensure a future free of AIDS for all Nigerians,” she added.
Speaking, the Project Director of the Nigeria TB and HIV-Rich Integration and Impact Project under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7, Dr. Olayemi Olupitan, highlighted IHVN’s pivotal role in bridging national and community-level interventions through initiatives like ASPIRE and ENTRIP.
Dr Olupitan emphasized the institute’s holistic approach to combating these diseases, which integrates health system strengthening and expands care for underserved populations.
“IHVN, a principal recipient of the Global Fund for TB and HIV Integration and a long-standing partner of PEPFAR, collaborates with key stakeholders such as NACA, NASCP, and NTBLCP to ensure a united response to the dual burden of HIV and TB in Nigeria.”
Dr. Olupitan noted that this year’s theme underscores the institute’s focus on health equity and the provision of comprehensive treatment services.
“With over two decades of impactful interventions, IHVN remains committed to reducing stigma, promoting health equity, and delivering patient-centered solutions.”
As the country works towards epidemic control, Dr. Olupitan called on stakeholders to sustain investments, embrace collaborative action, and adopt innovative approaches to tackle the challenges ahead. She described World AIDS Day as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV and TB, expressing optimism for a healthier and more equitable Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the National Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN), Dr. Esther Hindi highlighted the event as an opportunity to honor lives lost, evaluate progress, and address gaps in the HIV response.
“This commemoration is all about us, the community. Taking the Right Path,” as a timely call to action for sustaining the fight against HIV and ending AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.
Dr. Hindi noted significant progress in pediatric HIV treatment, with a 40% treatment coverage for children, but acknowledged the urgent need to close existing gaps.
Similarly, she highlighted the challenge of supporting mothers living with HIV, where treatment access currently stands at 50%.
“This is our clarion call to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria,” she stated.
The Association pledged to collaborate with the Global Fund and other stakeholders to implement effective Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) models, ensuring every pregnant woman and child is captured and treated.
Addressing societal barriers, Dr. Hindi underscored the detrimental effects of stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence on accessing HIV services. She called for intensified efforts to create safe spaces for women and children while urging the media to amplify awareness campaigns.
“We need to ensure that awareness reaches the grassroots level,” she asserted.
Dr. Hindi expressed hope that collective action would sustain the HIV response and achieve its global targets, urging all stakeholders to “spread the gospel” of awareness and inclusivity to end AIDS in Nigeria.
The Country Representative for UNAIDS Nigeria, Dr. Leo Zekeng highlighted the critical importance of sustainability in Nigeria’s efforts to end AIDS by 2030.
He emphasized that while significant progress has been made in treatment coverage and reducing new infections, the current response model is unsustainable.
“Sustainability for us means renewed political commitment,” Dr. Zekeng stated, applauding the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for its engagement with sub-national leaders and the Federal Government for fostering partnerships with the private sector and international donors.
Dr. Zekeng also underlined the need for increased domestic funding to bolster the AIDS response, commending ongoing efforts to integrate HIV services into the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He called for more efficient resource utilization and emphasized the importance of reducing stigma and discriminatory practices that create barriers to care.
“Promoting local manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign currency for essential supplies are key elements of the sustainability agenda,” he added, aligning with the government’s broader health sector reforms.
The UNAIDS representative stressed the human right to affordable, quality healthcare, particularly for children and pregnant women living with HIV. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, linking positive cases to treatment, and ensuring no one is left behind.
“Putting communities at the forefront of implementation is essential.”
Dr. Zekeng noted that UNAIDS’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to achieve an AIDS-free generation.
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