Nigeria's Fight Against HIV: 1.6 Million Lives on the Path to Hope.
EPICSTORIAN – In Nigeria’s HIV response, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, announced that 1.6 million of the estimated 2 million Nigerians living with HIV are now receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment.
The announcement came during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day, themed “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children, and End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.”
World AIDS Day, commemorated globally on December 1st, serves as a platform to raise awareness and honor those affected by the epidemic. This year’s focus emphasizes eliminating HIV among children, a critical area where Nigeria still faces substantial challenges.
According to Dr. Ilori, the country’s mother-to-child transmission prevention rate remains below 33%, far from the 95% target set by global health authorities.
“Nigeria’s HIV prevalence stands at 1.4% among individuals aged 15–64,” Dr. Ilori highlighted. “While we’ve made commendable progress, gaps in pediatric HIV coverage and mother-to-child transmission prevention persist.”
NACA Partners with UNAIDS
UNAIDS reports indicate that approximately 160,000 Nigerian children aged 0–14 live with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded annually.
To combat these challenges, NACA has partnered with international initiatives, including the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children. Ilori noted that a national acceleration committee, led by the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, was recently established to oversee implementation. Advocacy efforts are underway, with state committees already launched in key regions to ensure every child’s right to an HIV-free life.
Ensuring sustainability in HIV response remains a priority, especially with potential donor funding reductions. “We are co-creating a sustainability roadmap with stakeholders,” Ilori explained. “This will safeguard Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring continuous support for HIV and associated diseases, even in the absence of international funding.”
Dr. Ilori urged collective national action: “On this World AIDS Day, I call on all Nigerians to join hands with NACA. Together, we can break the stigma, drive equity, and protect our children from HIV. An AIDS-free Nigeria by 2030 is not just a goal—it’s our collective commitment.”
UNAIDS Country Director Leo Zekeng stressed the need for renewed political will and domestic investment. “Sustainability means more resources from within Nigeria,” Zekeng stated, highlighting ongoing collaboration between NACA, the Ministry of Finance, and health authorities to secure necessary funding.
Dr. Patrick Dakum, CEO of the Institute of Virology Nigeria, echoed these sentiments. “Through initiatives like the Nigeria TB-HIV Reach Integration Project, we’re integrating services and expanding community outreach. Continued investment and innovation are crucial for overcoming remaining challenges.”
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Funmi Adesanya, PEPFAR Nigeria’s Country Coordinator, emphasized the role of partnerships. “Ending AIDS requires unified efforts from government bodies, civil society, and the private sector. Expanding prevention and building resilient healthcare systems are essential.”
