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Tag: HIV/AIDS

  • Breaking the cycle of mother-to-child HIV transmission

    Breaking the cycle of mother-to-child HIV transmission

    •Nigeria has recorded remarkable progress in the fight against mother-to-child HIV transmission through expanded access to ART and improved testing and counselling during pregnancy. However, stigma, poor healthcare infrastructure and treatment gaps continue to hinder the country’s goal of eliminating paediatric HIV infections by 2030.

    The battle against HIV/AIDS has seen remarkable progress over the past few decades, yet one of the most pressing challenges remains the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the virus. The transmission of HIV from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding has been one of the major contributors to paediatric HIV infections. However, with advancements in medical science and increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), the risk of MTCT has been dramatically reduced. Despite this progress, significant barriers still exist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to healthcare remains uneven and stigma surrounding HIV is rampant.

    Globally, mother-to-child transmission of HIV accounts for approximately 90% of new HIV infections in children, making it one of the primary targets in the fight against the epidemic. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), without any intervention, the risk of transmission is as high as 45%. Yet, with ART, early detection and safe delivery practices, this risk can be reduced to below 5%. In some cases, the risk of transmission has even been brought down to zero, a breakthrough that has given hope to millions of women living with HIV around the world.

    MTCT primarily occurs in three ways: during pregnancy through the placenta, during delivery through exposure to maternal blood and bodily fluids, and through breastfeeding. The latter remains a particularly significant source of transmission, especially in regions where access to safe alternatives to breast milk is limited. Experts say breastfeeding can account for up to 35% of paediatric HIV infections in high-prevalence areas, making it an essential area for intervention in the global fight against MTCT. The use of ART has dramatically reduced the transmission of HIV from mother to child, but it is not without its challenges. Studies have shown that when pregnant women with HIV begin treatment early and maintain an undetectable viral load, the likelihood of transmitting the virus to their child drops significantly. Furthermore, when ART is also provided to the infant after birth as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), this risk is further reduced.

    Despite these medical advancements, there are still several challenges to preventing MTCT. These include limited access to ART, low awareness and education levels about PMTCT among pregnant women, and the stigma associated with HIV, which often prevents women from seeking testing and treatment. The socio-economic barriers, such as poverty and lack of education, also contribute to the difficulties women face in accessing life-saving treatments.

    Nigeria’s HIV landscape: A high burden of MTCT

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    Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, carries a heavy burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. According to UNAIDS, Nigeria accounts for approximately 9% of the global burden of HIV, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV in the country. In 2021, about 36,000 children were newly infected with HIV, most of them through mother-to-child transmission. The country is one of the 20 high-burden countries where most new paediatric HIV infections occur. The risk of MTCT in Nigeria remains a critical challenge despite global efforts to address the issue. A significant number of pregnant women living with HIV are still not receiving ART during pregnancy and childbirth. A major barrier to addressing MTCT in Nigeria is access to healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas where health infrastructure is inadequate, and there is a shortage of trained healthcare providers. Additionally, the high levels of HIV-related stigma, coupled with misinformation, further complicate the situation. For many women, the fear of discrimination and rejection leads to delays in seeking HIV testing and treatment, which increases the risk of transmitting HIV to their children.

    Nigeria, through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has made significant strides in addressing HIV prevention, care, and treatment, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission. NACA has worked in collaboration with international organisations such as the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as local civil society organisations, to expand the reach of HIV services to pregnant women. According to Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, the Nigerian government, in line with WHO guidelines, has committed to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2030. This ambitious goal is part of Nigeria’s broader HIV/AIDS strategy, which includes increasing the number of pregnant women who are tested for HIV, improving ART coverage for HIV-positive mothers, and providing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to infants born to HIV-positive mothers.

    One of NACA’s key initiatives has been the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programme, which aims to provide comprehensive HIV services to pregnant women. This includes HIV testing, counselling, the provision of ART, and safe delivery practices. By 2020, over 70% of HIV-positive pregnant women in Nigeria were receiving ART, a significant improvement from previous years. However, the challenge remains to ensure that the remaining women are also reached and provided with the necessary care. In addition to ART, NACA has worked with health ministries at the state level to improve the quality of antenatal care services. The agency also launched the National HIV Prevention Programme, which focuses on outreach campaigns to encourage more women to get tested and start ART early in pregnancy. In particular, the programme has targeted communities with high HIV prevalence and low access to healthcare, working to reduce the stigma associated with HIV and encouraging men and women to seek care together.

    Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the key intervention in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT). In Nigeria, the government provides free ART to HIV-positive pregnant women in both public and private healthcare settings. ART suppresses the viral load, making the virus undetectable in the mother’s system when taken correctly, reducing the risk of transmission. The goal is for every HIV-positive pregnant woman to start ART early in pregnancy and continue throughout breastfeeding. While this strategy has reduced MTCT rates, challenges in ART access and adherence persist, especially in rural areas.

    NACA, in partnership with local and international stakeholders, has also implemented a nationwide HIV testing and counselling programme to detect HIV early in pregnancy. Early diagnosis is critical because it allows healthcare providers to initiate ART as soon as possible, thereby lowering the chances of MTCT. Despite these efforts, there remain significant barriers to the uptake of HIV testing, particularly in rural areas. Cultural beliefs, misinformation about HIV, and a persistent stigma around the disease are major obstacles. Many pregnant women fear the social ramifications of testing positive, which dissuades them from seeking HIV screening. NACA has expanded testing campaigns and created greater awareness about the importance of early detection, but the challenge of overcoming stigma remains a major hurdle.

    Another important intervention to reduce the risk of MTCT is preventing transmission through breastfeeding. In Nigeria, breastfeeding is common and culturally significant, but it also poses a significant risk of HIV transmission if the mother is living with the virus. The Nigerian government, following WHO guidelines, encourages HIV-positive mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life while on ART. ART has been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission through breast milk, and breastfeeding also protects the child from other infectious diseases. However, the recommendation is complex in a country where access to safe alternatives to breast milk is limited, especially in rural areas where clean water and safe infant formula may not be readily available. Thus, the government’s strategy includes reinforcing the message that HIV-positive mothers on ART can safely breastfeed, balancing the need for infant nutrition with the goal of reducing MTCT.

    A critical element in Nigeria’s strategy is community engagement and awareness campaigns. NACA and other stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the Society for Family Health (SFH), have invested heavily in reaching out to communities through health education programmes. These programmes aim to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and encourage more pregnant women to get tested and seek treatment. Peer educators, community health workers, and media campaigns are used to disseminate information about the benefits of early HIV testing, ART, and the importance of adherence to treatment throughout pregnancy and the breastfeeding period. Through these community-based initiatives, the government seeks to normalise HIV testing and treatment, making it part of routine antenatal care and encouraging men and women alike to seek HIV services.

    In addition to these preventive measures, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for infants born to HIV-positive mothers plays a crucial role in preventing MTCT. PEP involves giving newborns a short course of ART for the first six weeks of life, which reduces the likelihood of HIV infection in the child. This intervention is especially important in situations where the mother may not have received full ART coverage during pregnancy or childbirth. PEP has proven highly effective in preventing HIV transmission, and its use is recommended by both the Nigerian government and international health agencies like WHO. However, ensuring that all HIV-positive mothers have access to PEP for their infants remains a challenge, particularly in areas where healthcare access is limited.

    To address this, NACA has collaborated with international donors to expand services to hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that more pregnant women have access to HIV testing, ART, and post-natal care. The government has also sought to improve the availability of skilled birth attendants and reduce maternal and child mortality associated with HIV. However, much more needs to be done to make healthcare accessible to all, regardless of location or income level. Despite the success of these interventions, Nigeria still faces considerable challenges in its fight against MTCT. HIV-related stigma continues to be a significant barrier that prevents many women from seeking care. Even though there have been efforts to reduce the stigma through community engagement and media campaigns, the social consequences of disclosing an HIV-positive status—ranging from fear of rejection to discrimination—remain powerful deterrents for women. In some cases, this stigma extends to healthcare providers themselves, who may be reluctant to offer adequate care to HIV-positive patients. This creates a cycle where women avoid seeking HIV testing and treatment, thereby increasing the risk of MTCT.

    Additionally, while ART access has expanded in Nigeria, there are still gaps in the availability and consistency of care. Despite free ART programmes, many women in rural areas struggle to access medications due to infrastructure deficiencies and transportation challenges. Even when ART is available, adherence to treatment is an ongoing concern, especially after childbirth. Some women discontinue ART after delivery, leaving them and their children vulnerable to HIV transmission through breastfeeding or other means. The path to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria by 2030, as envisioned by global health bodies and the Nigerian government, is fraught with challenges but also marked by significant progress. Achieving this goal requires further expansion of ART access, improved healthcare infrastructure, and ongoing efforts to tackle stigma. Increasing awareness through education campaigns, improving the availability of healthcare workers, and ensuring that both mothers and infants continue to receive the care they need after delivery are all essential components of this strategy.

    If Nigeria is to achieve its goal of eliminating MTCT by 2030, the government must continue to prioritise HIV prevention efforts and address the systemic barriers that prevent women from accessing the care  they need. Sustained investment in healthcare, coupled with community-based outreach and greater focus on post-natal care, will be essential in moving towards a future where no child is born with HIV. With continued commitment from government agencies, international partners, and local communities, Nigeria can break the cycle of HIV transmission and build a future free from paediatric HIV infections.

  • 10,000 council residents enjoy free healthcare

    10,000 council residents enjoy free healthcare

    Alimosho Local Government of Lagos State has provided free healthcare for 10,000, covering tests and treatment of blood pressure, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, blood and sugar levels.

    Embattled Council Chair, Jelili Sulaimon, said the programme is part of his promises to the people. He noted his administration has built health centres towards achieving the vision and mission of World Health Organisation in ensuring healthcare reaches all wards in the local government.

    He said: “I can say we have primary healthcare centres in five of seven wards. There is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Primary Healthcare Centre on Akowonjo Road; Ipile Rere Family Healthcare Centre at Akinremi, and Ologufe Healthcare Centre, built by me. We have one in Orisunbare and w another in Shasha.

    “These are parts of our agenda. Today’s programme centres around diabetes, hypertension, HIV/AIDS. We will ensure it is continuous. Today, 10,000 will get free treatment.

    “I want to advise people to take care of their health.”

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    The chairman thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring local government autonomy, saying the move will help local council develop.

    A beneficiary and Chair of Alimosho Community Development Committee, Ven. Adeoye Adetunji, thanked Sulaimon for the gesture, saying ‘we love him because he is doing well..”

    Leader of All Progressives Congress, AbdulRahman Faleye, said Sulaimon has been doing such programme before, which is why the people still want him.

  • Youths ‘can lead fight against HIV/AIDS, gender based violence’

    Youths ‘can lead fight against HIV/AIDS, gender based violence’

    youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI) has urged young people to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

    Executive Director of Tomisin Adeoye, spoke at “Skillz Holiday Camp,” an event for adolescents in Abuja.

    Supported by Grassroot Soccer and FIFA Foundation, the camp attracted over 100.

    Adeoye called for efforts to educate and empower adolescents to tackle these issues.

    The camp included education on sexual and reproductive health, health literacy, HIV, and malaria testing, etc.

    Adeoye noted the importance of young people taking charge of their health.

    The director said YEDI has reached over 450,000 beneficiaries since inception.

    She noted the organisation addressing key issues affecting adolescents

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    “The holiday camp is one strategy to engage them people, especially on vacation.

    “SKILLZ curriculum provides sexual and reproductive health, financial literacy, puberty, and menstrual hygiene.

    “We also do free HIV testing with consent,” Adeoye said.

    She said investing in adolescents, can make the young healthier, and more informed.

    Adeoye also stressed importance of teaching youths to avoid substance abuse, unprotected sex, and violent relationship..

  • How NACA plans to meet global HIV/AIDS control targets

    How NACA plans to meet global HIV/AIDS control targets

    In an insightful interview, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), outlines her strategic plans to build upon the agency’s successes and meet global HIV/AIDS control targets. Dr. Ilori, who assumed office three months ago, emphasises the importance of continuity in government efforts. She highlights the National Strategic Plan as a crucial guide for NACA’s initiatives, aiming to en hance HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment across Nigeria. Through collaboration with key stakeholders and innovative approaches, Dr. Ilori said she is determined to address funding challenges, improve healthcare services, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country. She spoke with Emmanuel Chidi-Maha

    When I assumed office about three months ago, I committed myself to building upon the solid foundation laid by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) since its establishment in 2007. This is so because I recognised that government is a continuum. I am also committed to. NACA’s National Strategic Plan serves as a critical roadmap, guiding our efforts towards effectively combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

    To further solidify our strategies, I am organising retreats and consultations with key stakeholders. These sessions are designed to foster collaboration, gather diverse perspectives, and ultimately consolidate our collective ideas into a comprehensive policy document. This document will not only guide our day-to-day operations but also ensure alignment with national health priorities and international commitments. Collaboration with our supervisory ministry, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, is fundamental to our success; together with the Coordinating Minister, Professor Muhammad Pate, and through initiatives such as the Sector Wide Approach (SWAP). By building on past achievements, leveraging existing frameworks, and innovating with new approaches, we are poised to make substantial progress in our fight against HIV/AIDS.

    How NACA plans to

    address funding issue

    The issue of funding remains a critical challenge in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response efforts. Despite the pressing need and the scale of the epidemic, the federal government’s budgetary allocation has been limited. This year, our capital budget allocation was approximately N8 billion, reflecting the ongoing financial constraints we face.

    Several years ago, recognising the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian government. The MoU commits to purchasing antiretroviral drugs for at least 50,000 people living with HIV/AIDS annually, with incremental increases in subsequent years. This commitment is essential because an estimated 2,000,000 Nigerians are living with HIV/AIDS, underscoring the significant demand for treatment and care.

    Currently, the vast majority of our national HIV/AIDS response is supported by international donors, who contribute approximately 94 per cent of the funding needed. These donors play a crucial role in purchasing antiretroviral drugs, which are primarily sourced from outside Nigeria and are denominated in foreign currencies, predominantly dollars. Last year, we were able to procure 87,000 drugs, which corresponded to treatment for 87,000 individuals. To address the sustainability of our HIV/AIDS response, we are focusing on several strategic initiatives.

    Moreover, discussions are ongoing to foster a more integrated approach to HIV/AIDS financing, aligning various stakeholders and sectors towards a common funding strategy. This holistic approach not only seeks to secure sustainable funding but also to streamline resources and enhance the efficiency of service delivery across the country.

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    Addressing the funding shortfall in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response requires a multi-faceted approach, including increasing budgetary allocations to relevant agencies directly involved in the national response.

    Adequate funding is essential to sustain and expand critical interventions such as the procurement of antiretroviral drugs and the enhancement of healthcare services for those affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition to financial support, it is crucial to recognise the holistic healthcare needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Beyond antiretroviral treatment, individuals with HIV/AIDS may require medical care for other conditions such as appendicitis or dental issues. To address these needs comprehensively, we are actively engaging with the National Health Insurance Authority to include people living with HIV/AIDS in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

    By integrating HIV/AIDS care into the NHIS, individuals affected by the virus can access a broader range of healthcare services without financial barriers. Under this initiative, participants would contribute a nominal amount, ensuring they receive comprehensive medical care, including treatment for unrelated health issues. This approach not only promotes equity in healthcare access but also supports the overall well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS by addressing their diverse healthcare needs. At the state level, some regions have already begun implementing similar schemes, demonstrating feasibility and paving the way for broader adoption nationwide. By leveraging these initiatives and expanding their scope, we can enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS in every part of Nigeria.

    Awareness creation

    about HIV/AIDS

    Effective communication is crucial in our efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Through various media platforms including traditional outlets such as print media, radio, and television, as well as modern channels like social media, we are engaging diverse audiences to disseminate key messages.

    Collaborating with the Guild of Actors and social media influencers, we aim to leverage their reach and influence to amplify our messages on prevention, combating stigma and discrimination, treatment options, and promoting healthy living practices.

    Recently, we successfully organised a pre-conference targeting youth, utilising this opportunity to educate and empower young people with essential knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention and care. This proactive approach not only informs but also inspires behavioral change among the youth, who are crucial in shaping future health outcomes.

    Our engagement strategy extends to traditional institutions such as Obas (traditional rulers) and community leaders, as well as religious leaders.

    We highlight success stories where couples, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is negative, live healthy lives due to consistent treatment adherence. Such cases demonstrate that being HIV-positive should not preclude anyone from marriage or having a family, provided proper medical care is received. Collaboration with national women’s groups, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, youth organisations, NGOs, and other stakeholders is integral to our comprehensive approach.

    Confronting the challenge of mother-to-child transmission

    Nigeria faces a critical challenge with the highest rate of children born with HIV/AIDS. To address this issue, we will leverage proven strategies outlined previously, adapted specifically to tackle this concerning development. Key among these strategies is ensuring universal access to HIV/AIDS testing and treatment for pregnant women. Currently, one of the primary barriers is the inaccessibility of antiretroviral drugs to many women. To overcome this, we will implement widespread HIV testing for all pregnant women across various healthcare settings, including primary health care facilities, general hospitals, teaching hospitals, tertiary hospitals, and within communities. Early detection through these efforts enables women who test positive to promptly initiate treatment, significantly reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to their unborn children.

    Creating awareness about the importance of HIV testing and seeking early medical assistance will be integral to our approach. By empowering individuals with knowledge about their HIV status, we aim to encourage proactive health-seeking behaviors and facilitate timely interventions that can prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. In addition to these measures, a ministerial committee led by the Minister for State for Health has been established to spearhead this urgent initiative. The committee will soon be inaugurated and has already commenced meetings with stakeholders from diverse sectors. This collaborative approach ensures a coordinated and comprehensive response, involving national and state-level agencies, state AIDS control agencies, sister organisations, local governments, and all relevant stakeholders.

    By mobilising resources, expertise, and commitment across these sectors, we are prioritizing the reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS as a national imperative. Our collective efforts will strengthen health systems, enhance access to essential services, and ultimately contribute to the goal of ensuring that every child born in Nigeria has the opportunity to live a healthy and HIV-free life.

    Prioritising the key

    populations

    In addressing the complex challenge of HIV/AIDS among commercial sex workers in Nigeria, proactive measures and comprehensive strategies are paramount. NACA is committed to engaging directly with this vulnerable population through targeted education, access to essential resources, and specialized healthcare services. Commercial sex workers face unique risks and barriers to healthcare, making targeted interventions essential. NACA has established dedicated centers where these individuals can access consumables such as condoms, receive critical information about HIV/AIDS prevention, and obtain necessary health services. These centers serve as safe havens, providing a supportive environment where commercial sex workers can seek assistance without fear of stigma or discrimination.

    Central to our approach is the Harm Reduction Strategy, which emphasises pragmatic steps to minimise the health risks associated with sex work. Through specialised clinics strategically located in areas frequented by sex workers, we offer comprehensive counseling services and medical treatment. These clinics not only address immediate healthcare needs but also serve as hubs for ongoing support and education. Our engagement with commercial sex workers extends beyond healthcare provision to encompass empowerment and advocacy. We engage closely with community leaders, NGOs, and outreach workers to build trust and facilitate access to services.

    Message for Nigerians

    HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, as evidenced by the alarming statistics from 2023. Last year alone, Nigeria reported approximately 75,000 new cases of HIV/AIDS infections, translating to an unsettling average of 1,000 new infections every week. Tragically, about 45,000 Nigerians lost their lives due to AIDS-related illnesses, equating to roughly 800 deaths weekly. These figures starkly underscore the ongoing presence and impact of HIV/AIDS within our communities. The urgency to address this epidemic is paramount to prevent resurgence in both the general population and among key demographic groups with higher infection rates. Equally concerning is the large number of children born with HIV/AIDS due to mother-to-child transmission. This dual challenge necessitates a concerted effort to ensure comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies are effectively implemented nationwide.

    Beyond prevention, combating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS is paramount. These individuals deserve our compassion and support, not judgment or exclusion. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, we can strengthen community resilience and encourage more people to seek testing and treatment without fear of social repercussions. Looking forward, our goal is clear: to achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2030.

  • Nigeria needs $8b yearly to fight HIV/AIDS, says House of Reps

    Nigeria needs $8b yearly to fight HIV/AIDS, says House of Reps

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, Amobi Ogah, has said Nigeria needs $8 billion yearly to combat HIV/AIDS as a public health concern.

    The country has been facing a daunting challenge in sustaining the efforts to eliminate the disease.

    With an estimated 1.8 million Nigerians living with HIV, including 1.63 million on antiretroviral therapy, the country requires a substantial $8 billion annually to meet the 2023 global target.

    Ogah spoke at this year’s edition of Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference yesterday in Abuja.

    The lawmaker noted that Nigeria’s goal to eliminate Mother-To-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV by last year remained elusive with national coverage at less than 50 per cent, resulting in approximately 22,000 cases of MTCT of HIV annually.

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    The conference, with the theme: Accelerating HIV prevention to end AIDS through innovations and community engagement, was organised by the National Agency for the Control (NACA).

    Ogah said: “For NACA to achieve her mandate, we must all ensure the increase of domestic funding, strengthening HIV interventions, mobilising community members for gender equality, social norms and gender equality in the optic of HIV prevention, treatment, and care service, particularly the PMTCT of HIV, support people living with and affected by HIV, the campaign against the stigmatisation and discrimination of persons living with HIV/AIDS, and ensure leadership action for these and key population communities, among other interventions.

  • US government reiterates commitment to Nigeria’s end HIV/AIDS drive

    US government reiterates commitment to Nigeria’s end HIV/AIDS drive

    The United States Government (USG) has pledged its continued support to the Nigerian government’s 2030 HIV/AIDs elimination date.

    The commitment followed the expression of confidence in the enduring legacy of the former Director General (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Gambo Aliyu will persist in achieving the objective of eradicating HIV as a public health concern in Nigeria.

    Greene spoke in Abuja recently during a dinner hosted by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for Aliyu, where his contributions to Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS  were highlighted.

    The diplomat expressed confidence that the enduring legacy of the former DG will persist in achieving Nigeria’s objective of eradicating HIV as a public health concern, adding that the gains of the last five years that have propelled Nigeria closer towards the collective goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

    He said: “Your championing of the “Getting the Data Right” strategy has improved the quality of Nigeria’s HIV programme and services delivered to clients. 

    “Your orchestration of National Alignment 2.0 to coordinate donors, improve the capacity of states, and the establishment of the HIV Trust Fund public-private partnership as a way to mobilize resources has advanced Nigeria’s journey towards sustainability.

    Regarding why the US government, via PEPFAR, expressed enthusiasm about Aliyu and Nigeria’s modest achievements in combating HIV/AIDS under his leadership, Greene, said, “Your reputation for quality, science and data-driven approaches preceded your NACA term as the Principal Investigator of the largest HIV/AIDS population-based survey implemented in Nigeria (NAIIS 2018) and remained a critical thread that served the programme well throughout your term.

    “As the son of an epidemiologist, I can appreciate your drive and perseverance to make sense of Nigeria’s growing treatment cohort against the estimated HIV prevalence reported from NAIIS”.

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    The Ambassador assured Nigeria of the continued support of the US government, conveying gratitude on behalf of the U.S. Mission in Abuja and PEPFAR for Aliyu’s leadership and vision during his tenure as the DG of NACA.

    In conveying gratitude on behalf of the U.S. Mission in Abuja and PEPFAR for Aliyu’s leadership and vision during his tenure as the DG of NACA, the Ambassador assured Nigeria of US government’s continued support 

    “The PEPFAR team reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NACA and its partners to build on achievements made and accelerate progress towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria”, he added.

  • Women living with HIV/AIDS still confronted with plethora of challenges

    Women living with HIV/AIDS still confronted with plethora of challenges

    The challenges confronting women living with HIV and AIDS again came to the fore yesterday, as the world celebrated International Women’s Day.

    The Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), said 60 percent of its members are jobless, while many of them still suffer stigmatization.

    Speaking during an event to mark the International Women’s Day 2024, in Lagos, the Lagos Coordinator of ASWHAN, Mrs Oluseyi Kadiri appealed to the government to work with the association, and provide accommodations for women living with HIV/AIDS. “We know the government has homes for people, but they have not really been putting people living with HIV/AIDS into consideration. We are calling on the government, the donor agencies, and other partners, to reason and think along women especially, people living with HIV/AIDS.”

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    She also appealed to the government to consider people living with HIV/AIDS when planning programmes for empowerment, giving them support,  and other things that would make life meaningful for them.

    Kadiri advised people living with HIV/AIDS not to consider themselves less human as “HIV is just a virus, it comes into the system, and it is treatable. We live with it. I’ve lived with it for 20 years. I’m still doing well. I have children that are negative. I believe other women out there should emulate what I do by accepting that they are positive. Live a positive life, and take their medication, and do away with stigma.”

    In a message which was presented by Kadiri, on behalf of the National Coordinator ASWHAN,  Esther Hindi said, “This year’s theme, ‘Invest in women: Accelerate Progress,’ is to empower women with life building skills,  reduce their vulnerability, encourages National and International partners to demonstrate their commitment in providing platforms for women,  have access to economic resources.

  • There’s much more to be done in campaign against HIV/AIDS — First Lady

    There’s much more to be done in campaign against HIV/AIDS — First Lady

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has noted that despite the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, there is still much more to be done.

    In a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady also pointed out that despite the challenges militating against total success in the fight, there is still a lot of hope.

    Mrs Tinubu spoke in Zimbabwe, on Saturday, at the High Level Pre-Conference Meeting of the 22nd International Conference on AIDS and STI in Africa (ICASA), organised by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).

    She explained that the sheer population of the country, at over 200 million, is a major challenge in the fight against the scourge.

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasised that her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has rekindled hope in all spheres of life in the nation, the fight against HIV/AIDS inclusive.

    She said: “Although HIV/AIDS receives a lot of attention, Nigeria plans to achieve triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis. I am going back to Nigeria and I will meet with the First Ladies of the various states.

    “We are getting to work. We are now more committed than ever. HIV/AIDS should have been long gone.”

    The First Lady noted that the various challenges hindering greater progress in bringing the figures to the barest minimum, including insecurity and stigmatization, would be addressed frontally.

    She assured that as an advocate for girl child education, and with her Initiative, Renewed Hope Initiative, “we will find all, test all and treat all even before the deadline of 2030.”

    Earlier, the First Lady of the host country, Zimbabwe, Dr Auxillia Mnanagagwa, noted that the men and male child must be included as an important community to help eliminate the scourge totally.

    “Children living with HIV/AIDS deserve our best care and they have a right to be on child friendly anti- retroviral drugs,” she said.

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    First Ladies of Botswana and Mozambique present shared their interventions in this regard in their countries alongside the representatives of First Ladies of Egypt, Burundi and Angola.

    In her remarks, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyiwa, appealed to the First ladies, who she described as the most important community in the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission and the Elimination of New Infections.

    She urged them to adopt the use of Science and Technology to achieve this.

    “This is a winnable war,” she said.

    The 22nd ICASA Conference has as its theme “AIDS is not over; Address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation”.

  • 2,209 pregnant women, eight infants test positive for HIV/AIDS in Niger

    2,209 pregnant women, eight infants test positive for HIV/AIDS in Niger

    Niger State recorded 2,209 pregnant women and eight infant HIV/AIDS positive cases between January and October 2023.

    The Niger State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Tukur Bello, during a press conference to commemorate the 2023 World AIDS Day, stated that 34,898 people are currently receiving treatment for HIV across the state.

    According to the Commissioner, the figures for HIV prevalence in the state has been fluctuating over the years and have dropped to 0.7 percent.

    The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Gana, noted that the cases of the eight infants who were tested with HIV were those whose parents did not attend antenatal services.

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    The commissioner identified the major drivers of the HIV epidemic in the state to include key populations such as female sex workers, persons in correctional centers, gays and transgender, and those who abuse drugs through injections.

    “Factors associated with the transmission of new infections include early sexual debut, poor pre-marital screening for HIV, sub-optimal HIV testing services, especially amongst children and adolescents, poor knowledge on pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis services.”

    The commissioner noted that birth deliveries by unskilled birth attendants have also been identified as a challenge that has increased mother-to-child transmission.

    He said 37 healthcare facilities across the state are currently offering comprehensive HIV services, adding that at the community level, teams have been set up at the local government areas to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

  • 2,209 pregnant women, 8 infants test positive for HIV/AIDS in 2023 – Niger govt

    2,209 pregnant women, 8 infants test positive for HIV/AIDS in 2023 – Niger govt

    Niger State has recorded 2,209 pregnant women and eight infants testing positive for HIV/AIDS between January and October 2023 state.

    The Niger State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Tukur Bello during a press conference to commemorate the 2023 World AIDS Day stated that 34,898 people are currently receiving treatment for HIV across the state.

    According to the commissioner, the figures for HIV prevalence in the state have been fluctuating over the years and have dropped to 0.7 percent.

    The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Gana noted that the cases of the eight infants who were tested with HIV were those whose parents did not attend antenatal services.

    The commissioner identified the major drivers of the HIV epidemic in the state to include key populations such as female sex workers, persons in correctional centres, gays and transgender, and those who abuse drugs through injections.

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    He said: “Factors associated with the transmission of new infections include early sexual debut, poor pre-marital screening for HIV, sub-optimal HUV testing services especially amongst children and adolescents, poor knowledge on pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis services.”

    The commissioner noted that birth deliveries by unskilled birth attendants have also been identified as a challenge that has increased mother-to-child transmission.

    He said that 37 healthcare facilities across the state are currently offering comprehensive HIV services adding that at the community level, teams have been set up at the local government areas to prevent mother-to-child transmission.