- 61,384 individuals living with HIV in Abuja now on treatment
- Abuja exceeded national targets, achieving 223% of the expected HIV treatment numbers
- The Federal Capital Territory Administration committed to tackling stigma and discrimination to improve care accessibility
Nigerians have reacted following the Federal Capital Territory Administration report that no fewer than 61,384 people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) have been placed on treatment.
This was disclosed by Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the FCT Administration, at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, December 1, in commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day.
Reacting, an X user (Formerly Twitter), TimShuaib said, “This is actually good news. It means more people are now open to testing and treatment. This will have great impact on the long-term battle.”
StamgoW said, “All those nigga raw masters should take note and care oo.”
“People with HIV and AIDS far more than that in the FCT,” Mama stated.
“Aaaah. You all be safe out there,” ProDiscover advised.
“61,000 how many people come de abuja,” Obi Nwa reacted.
Abuja celebrates World AIDS Day with focus on pediatric HIV
“Together, we have prioritised key populations, women, children, and vulnerable groups, ensuring that every person diagnosed with HIV receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve,” the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the FCT Administration, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe stated.
She pointed out that the theme, "Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children," advocated for a stronger focus on addressing HIV among children while ensuring the rights of all individuals impacted by the disease are safeguarded.
The day was described as an opportunity to unite efforts, raise awareness, offer support to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, and commemorate those who have died from the disease.
“From scaling up PMTCT services to expanding pediatric care and decentralising service delivery, these efforts continue to drive the FCT’s progress in meeting and exceeding national targets.”
Dr Olubenga Bello, Director-General of the Hospital Management Board, speaking on behalf of the mandate secretary, noted that this figure represents 223 per cent of the anticipated number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
Over 1,000 children receiving life-saving HIV treatment in Abuja
Fasawe explained that the figure also included individuals migrating from neighbouring states. She further noted that of the 61,384 people placed on treatment, 1,048 were children, accounting for 3.8 per cent, and were receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
She noted that the FCT, with an estimated population of 6.95 million, had an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4 per cent, marginally above the national rate of 1.3 per cent. She added that the FCTA was focused on expanding and strengthening HIV services in the region.
“Our health sector response has been strengthened by a comprehensive network of 122 service delivery points, offering antiretrovirals across the six Area Councils in the FCT.
“Also, there are 285 other conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites, which provide decentralised community-based care to ensure services reach even the most remote populations.
“The FCT’s decentralised model ensures that no one is left behind, enabling communities to access quality care and support close to home,” she stated.
FCTA trains birth attendants to improve HIV care
The mandate secretary added that to tackle pediatric HIV, the FCT has implemented innovative interventions, including the use of mentor mothers who act as guides for pregnant women, helping them navigate the care pathways.
She pointed out that as part of the initiative, the FCT had trained unconventional caregivers, such as traditional birth attendants, on the importance of facility births, prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis, with samples collected within 72 hours of life.
She shared that the FCT had extended its training to unconventional caregivers, like traditional birth attendants, to stress the importance of facility births, prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis, including sample collection within 72 hours of life.
“We also expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, ensuring that individuals without HIV remain free of the disease.”
Fasawe attributed the ongoing successes to solid partnerships and collaborations, highlighting the National AIDS and STI Control Programme and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS as the main partners.
FCTA reaffirms commitment to fighting stigma-expanding HIV/AIDS care
"Others were implementing partners such as the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mothers2Mothers, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, and YouthRISE.
“The FCT AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Control Programme and the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS’ leadership in integrating services across the territory have made significant strides in addressing the needs of the FCT population.
“While we celebrate these achievements, the work is far from complete. Nigeria’s high burden of pediatric HIV demands sustained efforts to identify cases, link individuals to care, and prevent new infections,” she stated.
Praising the support from the partners, the mandate secretary reaffirmed the FCTA's commitment to fighting stigma and discrimination, which still present major obstacles to care.
She also emphasised that the FCTA would work harder to reach those who are difficult to access, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that every child, woman, and man living with HIV gets the care and support they need.
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