The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against HIV/AIDS, successfully placing 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS on treatment.
This announcement was made by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, during a press conference in Abuja to mark World AIDS Day 2024.
Dr. Fasawe emphasized the theme for this year’s observance: “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children,” which highlights the urgent need to address pediatric HIV and protect the rights of all individuals affected by the disease. She described World AIDS Day as a vital occasion for uniting efforts, raising awareness, supporting those impacted by HIV/AIDS, and honoring those who have lost their lives to the disease.
Notably, the number of individuals receiving treatment in the FCT represents an impressive 223% of the projected target for PLHIV. This figure includes individuals migrating from neighboring states. Among those treated, 1,048 are children, accounting for 3.8% of the total and receiving essential antiretroviral therapy, ART.
With an estimated population of 6.95 million, the FCT has a HIV prevalence rate of 1.4%, slightly above the national average of 1.3%. Dr. Fasawe detailed ongoing efforts to expand and enhance HIV services across the territory, supported by a network of 122 service delivery points offering ART in all six Area Councils.
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The FCTA’s decentralized approach ensures that healthcare reaches even remote communities through 285 conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites. This model is designed to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing quality care.
To combat pediatric HIV specifically, unique interventions have been implemented, including training mentor mothers to assist pregnant women in navigating care pathways and educating traditional birth attendants on critical health practices such as prophylaxis and early infant diagnosis.
Community-driven initiatives like the Mothers’ Love Party and the AP3 Initiative further bolster support for programs aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Additionally, access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been expanded to help prevent new infections among those not living with HIV.
Dr. Fasawe credited these successes to robust partnerships with organizations such as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme and various implementing partners like the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria and AIDS Healthcare Foundation. These collaborations focus on key populations, including women, children, and vulnerable groups.
While celebrating these achievements, Dr. Fasawe acknowledged that challenges remain in addressing Nigeria’s high burden of pediatric HIV. She reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to combating stigma and discrimination while ensuring that every individual diagnosed with HIV receives necessary care and support.
The day’s activities will culminate with a road walk from Government Secondary School in Garki to Old Parade Ground in Garki Area 10 on Tuesday (today).
Credible News.ng
