The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS by successfully placing 61,384 individuals living with the virus on treatment.
This announcement was made by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, during a press conference held in Abuja to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024.
Dr. Fasawe highlighted the theme for this year's World AIDS Day, "Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children," emphasizing the need for renewed focus on pediatric HIV and safeguarding the rights of those affected by the disease. She stated, "World AIDS Day is a time to unite efforts, increase awareness, support those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and honor the memory of those we have lost."
Representing 223 percent of the projected number of people living with HIV (PLHIV), the figure includes individuals migrating from neighboring states. Of the total number placed on treatment, 1,048 are children, accounting for 3.8 percent, who are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
With an estimated population of 6.95 million, the FCT has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4 percent, slightly above the national average of 1.3 percent. The FCT Administration is actively expanding and strengthening HIV services across the territory. "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," Dr. Fasawe noted.
To address pediatric HIV, the FCT has implemented unique interventions such as mentor mothers who guide pregnant women through care pathways and trained unconventional caregivers like traditional birth attendants on the importance of facility births and early infant diagnosis.
Community initiatives, including the Mothers’ Love Party and the AP3 Initiative, enhance support for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV programs. Additionally, access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has been expanded to ensure individuals without HIV remain free of the disease.
Dr. Fasawe attributed these successes to strong partnerships and collaborations with organizations such as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, and various implementing partners. "Together, we have prioritized key populations, women, children, and vulnerable groups, ensuring that every person diagnosed with HIV receives the care, dignity and support they deserve," she said.
While celebrating these achievements, Dr. Fasawe acknowledged that the work is far from complete, given Nigeria's high burden of pediatric HIV. She reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to ending stigma and discrimination, which remain significant barriers to care and emphasized the need to protect vulnerable populations and ensure access to quality care for all.
The commemoration activities will conclude with a road walk from Government Secondary School, Garki, to Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, on Tuesday.
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