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Optimistic about 2030 global target
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria has been reinvigorated with its full integration into the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).
The government stated that this move would ensure all resources are aligned with national health priorities, enabling it to continue leading the HIV response with full ownership and accountability.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this development at an event to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day in Abuja on Tuesday. The event’s theme was “Take the right path: Sustain the HIV response and stop HIV among children to end AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.”
He called on state governments, the private sector, and community leaders to “take the right path” by scaling up interventions to prevent HIV transmission among children.
“Our strategy against HIV/AIDS must be holistic, and that might include addressing the social, cultural, and economic barriers that hinder access to healthcare services for women and children,” he said.
He renewed the government’s commitment to the global target of ending HIV by 2030, stressing that the path to achieving this is clear. “Let us walk this path with determination, unity, and purpose, ensuring that future generations will live in a world free of HIV.”
UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Fall, stated that discriminatory laws, policies, and practices continue to punish and stigmatise vulnerable people, especially women, girls, and minorities, thereby preventing their access to proven prevention measures, testing, treatment, and care.
He said: “Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable. But reaching this milestone requires breaking down the barriers keeping people from vital services. Every 25 seconds, someone in the world is infected with HIV. Records indicate that one quarter of people living with HIV (more than nine million people) lack access to lifesaving treatment.
“This year’s World AIDS Day reminds us that the fight against AIDS can be won if leaders take a rights-based approach to ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, can get the services they need without fear. It’s an opportunity for reflection, solidarity, and renewed commitment towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“The inspirational advances made in the global HIV response have been powered by global solidarity and human rights. We will overcome AIDS if the rights of everyone, everywhere, are protected.”
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori, noted in her welcome address that Nigeria’s HIV response has seen remarkable achievements, expressing optimism about meeting the 2030 global target.
She said: “Under this administration, and with unwavering support from partners, we have recorded remarkable achievements over the past year. Key milestones include the launch of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric acceleration committee, an initiative aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission.
“In collaboration with partners, we recently initiated agreements for the local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) for the African region. This move towards manufacturing antiretrovirals, test kits, and other HIV-related commodities locally will ensure sustainability and strengthen our health security.”
The National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), Dr Adebobola Bashorun, highlighted the gains recorded in recent years in Nigeria’s HIV response, indicating progress towards the 2030 global target.
He stated that data shows 85 per cent of the 1.9 million people living with HIV in Nigeria know their status, 90 per cent are on ART treatment, and 96 per cent have achieved viral suppression, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to others.
“The global HIV target is 95-95-95, but Nigeria has achieved 85-96-90. We are on the right track, and with deeper commitment from all stakeholders, we might achieve the global target even before the 2030 deadline.
“Additionally, there has been a steady decline in annual HIV-related deaths, indicating accelerating progress in the HIV response in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Nollywood actress Funke Akindele was decorated as an HIV/AIDS Goodwill Ambassador in Nigeria.
