The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has successfully placed 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS on treatment. This was disclosed by the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe.
She stated this at a press conference to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day, in Abuja on Monday.
The Secretary spoke on the theme of the event, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children.”
She therefore, called for a renewed focus on addressing pediatric HIV and safeguarding the rights of everyone affected by the disease.
Fasawe described World AIDS Day, commemorated every Dec. 1 as a day to unite efforts. She also called for increased awareness, support to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. And to honour the memory of those we have lost.
Represented by the Director-General, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olubenga Bello, the mandate secretary, said that figure represents 223 per cent of the projected number of PLHIV.
She also pointed out that the number included those migrating from neighboring States into the FCT.
Fawase added that of the 61,384 people placed on treatment, 1,048 were children. Representing 3.8 per cent and receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
The Secretary said that FCT, with an estimated population of 6.95 million had HIV prevalence rate of 1.4 per cent. Which is a little over the national figure of 1.3 per cent.
She noted that the FCTA was currently expanding and strengthening HIV Services in the FCT.
“Our health sector response has been strengthened by a comprehensive network of 122 service delivery points. Offering antiretroviral across the six Area Councils in the FCT.
“Also, there are 285 other conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites. Which provide decentralized community-based care to ensure services reach even the most remote populations.
“The FCT’s decentralized model ensures that no one is left behind. Thus enabling communities to access quality care and support close to home,” she said.
Fawase further stated that to address pediatric HIV, the FCT has deployed unique interventions. This, she said, include mothers who serve as linkage escorts for pregnant women, guiding them through care pathways.
She added that FCT also trained unconventional caregivers. Such as traditional birth attendants on the importance of facility births, prophylaxis. They were also trained on early infant diagnosis with samples taken within 72 hours of life.
According to her, community initiatives like the Mothers’ Love Party and the AP3 Initiative also enhance support for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV programmes.
“We also expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. Ensuring that individuals without HIV remain free of the disease,” she said.
Fasawe attributed the successes being recorded to strong partnerships and collaborations.
She identified the partners as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme and the National Agency for the Control of Aids.
Others, she said, were implementing partners such as the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mothers2Mothers, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, and YouthRISE.
She said, “Together, we have prioritized key populations, women, children, and vulnerable groups. And ensuring that every person diagnosed with HIV receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.
“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.
“From scaling up PMTCT services to expanding pediatric care and decentralizing service delivery, these efforts continue to drive the FCT’s progress in meeting and exceeding national targets.
“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.”
Commending the support of the partners, Fawase reaffirmed FCTA’s commitment to ending stigma and discrimination. This, she said has remained significant barriers to care.
The Mandatory Secretary also noted that the FCTA would intensify efforts to reach the unreached, and protect vulnerable populations. She assured that every child, woman, and man living with HIV had access to quality care and support.
Fasawe said that activities would be rounded up on Tuesday with a road walk from Government Secondary School, Garki, to Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10.
source: NAN
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