STAY ON YOUR MEDS, INSTITUITE TELLS PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
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The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria has encouraged individuals living with HIV to comply with their designated treatments to preserve their well-being and fight AIDS within the nation.
IHVN’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum, issued this appeal in a press release shared with the media on Tuesday.
Nigeria continues to be one of the nations most severely impacted by HIV/AIDS globally, with more than two million individuals currently infected with the virus throughout the country.
Significant advancements have been achieved in enhancing access to complimentary HIV testing and treatment via government initiatives and international assistance over the years.
He underscored the significance of adherence to medication, mentioning that free HIV services are accessible in more than 380 healthcare facilities supported by IHVN across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Rivers States.
“These services encompass complimentary testing; antiretroviral therapy for both adults and children; free laboratory services for HIV diagnosis and monitoring; as well as free prevention of mother-to-child transmission services for expectant mothers.
“At present, over 238,000 individuals are receiving antiretroviral therapy in IHVN-supported health facilities, with no interruptions in life-saving services at any point.
“IHVN, with the backing of the U. S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strives to sustain essential HIV services in partnership with the Nigerian government,” he stated.
As reported by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, at least 1,753,425 individuals living with HIV are aware of their status. This figure includes 1,693,457 adults—579,209 males and 1,114,401 females—and 54,983 children aged 0–14.
The agency also highlighted that access to treatment has markedly improved, with 1,735,808 individuals currently receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Dakum further indicated that HIV services, encompassing testing, treatment, laboratory diagnostics, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV for expectant women, are available at no cost in numerous public and private healthcare facilities nationwide.
Moreover, he emphasized the availability of comprehensive HIV prevention services, including free pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-negative pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as free post-exposure prophylaxis for clients who have been exposed.
He stressed the necessity of sustainability in health programs, stating, “IHVN persistently advocates for and supports sustainable health initiatives in Nigeria. We have partnered with the government, funding bodies, and stakeholders to achieve control over the HIV epidemic in supported states.
“Our objective is to test 95% of individuals living with HIV, initiate treatment in 95% of those who receive a positive diagnosis, and accomplish viral suppression through treatment adherence. By collaborating, we can ensure a healthier future for Nigerians. ”
Regarding the expansion of HIV services and community empowerment, IHVN’s CEO highlighted the institute’s initiatives to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV by extending services into communities via collaborations with faith-based organizations and community leaders.
“This initiative includes Group Mothers’ Love Gatherings, which offer medical services and support for pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as Peer Mentor Mother Programs that empower women living with HIV to provide mutual support,” he added.
He remarked that community initiatives have facilitated the involvement of caregivers and at-risk populations—such as children, teenagers, and young adults—with a holistic array of support and community-focused strategies aimed at enhancing adherence, nutrition, and overall quality of life.
Dakum underscored the necessity of ongoing advancement, asserting, “As we navigate global transformations in funding, we are assured that our two decades of PEPFAR assistance have established a robust foundation.
“We have made remarkable progress in program execution, capacity enhancement for healthcare professionals, laboratory infrastructure development, integration of public health initiatives, and fortification of healthcare systems. ”
He indicated that the Federal Government is advancing in its commitment to ownership and support of HIV initiatives, as evidenced by the incorporation of individuals living with HIV in health insurance programs, domestic production of HIV testing kits, and the imminent introduction of the HIV preventive injectable, Lenacapavir.
He emphasized the imperative for sustained cooperation among government entities, individuals living with HIV, civil society organizations, and media representatives to maintain momentum in fostering national ownership and tackling public health challenges.
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