The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has called on governments at all levels to ensure the enrollment of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in health insurance schemes.
Dr. Tangkat Holse, Regional Manager of IHVN for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made the call at the flag-off of the 2024 World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event, organized by IHVN’s FCT Region in collaboration with the FCT Health Management, carried the theme: “Take The Right Path: Sustain The HIV Response and Stop HIV among Children to End AIDS.”
Dr. Holse also urged both the government and stakeholders to sustain efforts aimed at reducing the prevalence and spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
He highlighted global progress in reducing HIV/AIDS transmission and noted ongoing interventions aimed at further decreasing the spread, especially among children.
According to the validated data from the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), Nigeria’s HIV prevalence had decreased from over 7% to approximately 1.4% by 2018.
“I want to appreciate the government of Nigeria for overseeing this control,” Dr. Holse said. “We also urge the government to ensure that we sustain the gains we have made in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
He further emphasized the need to enroll people living with HIV into the healthcare system to provide additional services at low costs.
“For all Nigerians, it is crucial to support relatives who are living with HIV/AIDS and to continue raising awareness about the disease in our communities,” Dr. Holse added.
Dr. Holse also encouraged Nigerians to adopt preventive lifestyles to help curb the disease’s spread.
“The strategies for HIV/AIDS control are well known to most of us. The first step is understanding that HIV is a disease that can be controlled by knowing your status. If you are positive, seek care; if negative, continue with preventive measures to stay negative,” he explained.
Speaking on the significance of WAD, Dr. Holse emphasized its role in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and improving the quality of life for those living with the disease. He noted that efforts are ongoing to further reduce the prevalence of HIV among children under ten years old.
“This year’s theme highlights our focus on controlling the spread of HIV among students,” Dr. Holse added. “The disease is controllable, and today is an opportunity to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.”
Dr. Dan Gadzama, Acting Director of the Public Health Department in the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, assured residents that the FCT government, through the Social Services Secretariat, is committed to keeping the territory HIV-free.
“The social impact of HIV is enormous, affecting personal lives, families, and the nation’s economy,” Dr. Gadzama said. “The FCT has strengthened its efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission through effective collaboration between the health and non-health sectors.”
He emphasized that the FCT now has over 300 HIV delivery service points across public and private sectors, where HIV testing is free. He also highlighted the availability of free antiretroviral treatment for those living with HIV, urging residents to take advantage of these services.
Dr. Ugochi Ajaew, an ART Clinician with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to effectively addressing HIV-related issues.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including Youth Rise (ARFH), the International Research Centre for Excellence, and other partners.
Highlights of the event included an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign road walk from Government Secondary School in Garki to the Old Parade Ground, the distribution of sewing and granting machines to vulnerable women in the FCT, and the provision of free HIV testing services.
