In spite of the publicised progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country, Nigeria still has a long way to go to achieve the elimination target of 2030, Professor Oliver Ezechi has said.
Prof. Ezechi, director of research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Lagos, in an exclusive interview with Pharmanewsonline, on the occasion of World AIDS Day (WAD), usually commemorated on 1 December, averred that significant challenges like stigma, discrimination, limited access to healthcare services in certain regions, funding constraints, and the need for continued efforts to reach vulnerable populations, are all threats that need to be urgently addressed to attain the desired goal in HIV/AIDS prevention.
The Nigeria National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAISS) as at 2019 shows an accurate national HIV prevalence of 1.4%, while UNAIDS and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) estimated that there are 1.9 million people living with HIV in Nigeria.
According to the statement from NACA, results released by the Nigerian government indicate a national HIV prevalence of 1.3% among adults aged 15–49 years, as previous estimates indicated a national HIV prevalence of 2.8%.
Ezechi, a researcher with special interest in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV at NIMR, acknowledged progress made in curbing the spread of the disease in the country, he however identified obstacles to be surmounted in winning the war against the deadly disease.
He said “Nigeria, like many other countries, has been making progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but the situation is complex and multifaceted. On World AIDS Day (WAD) it's important to acknowledge the efforts made and the progress achieved in addressing HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, while also recognising the challenges that remain.
“The country has implemented various interventions to combat HIV/AIDS, including increasing access to antiretroviral therapy, promoting awareness and education, and expanding testing and counseling services. These efforts have contributed to improvements in HIV prevention and treatment.
“However, it's important to note that Nigeria still faces significant challenges in its fight against HIV/AIDS. Factors such as stigma and discrimination, limited access to healthcare services in certain regions, funding constraints, and the need for continued efforts to reach vulnerable populations all present ongoing challenges”.
The investigator of HIV prevalence among youths, emphasised the essence of continuous monitoring of the situation, identifying areas that require further attention, and advocating for the implementation of evidence-based strategies to prevent new infections and provide care and support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
He also mentioned continued vigilance, sustained investment, and a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach as essentials in furthering the progress toward controlling and ultimately ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria.
Prof. Ezechi expressed concerns on the impacts of dwindling donor funding on spread of HIV/AIDS, as donor funding plays a critical role in supporting HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care programme in many countries, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
He explained further, noting the implications of restricted financial support saying it often targets key populations and marginalized groups who are at higher risk of HIV infection, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. “Reduced funding could limit outreach and support for these populations, potentially leading to increased HIV transmission within these communities.
“Donor funding often supports research and innovation in HIV prevention and treatment. A decrease in funding could impact the development of new prevention technologies, treatment regimens, and diagnostic tools, which are critical for advancing the global response to HIV/AIDS”, he revealed.
