Currently, Nigeria is facing a discouraging battle against HIV/AIDS, as recent data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS shows. With 75,000 new HIV infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths in 2023, it is evident that the country is struggling to effectively combat this epidemic. Nigeria is falling behind in efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030 despite worldwide efforts, putting both Public Health and the country’s socioeconomic stability at risk. The SDG Target of 3.3 aims to end epidemics like AIDS, tuberculosis, and Malaria by this deadline, requiring Nigeria to adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat the disease.
HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids like blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids, according to the World Health Organization. It cannot be spread through acts like kissing, hugging, or sharing food. Additionally, it can be passed from a mother to her child. Stanford Health Care notes that sharing needles, syringes, or drug paraphernalia with an infected individual is a common way for HIV to spread. Antiretroviral Therapy is an effective method for managing and avoiding HIV infections. Nigeria’s HIV infection statistics are alarmingly high, with UNICEF reporting 190,950 new cases annually, making it the second highest globally. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) ranks Nigeria fourth in the world for the virus burden.
Percentage of mother-to-child transmission of the virus is high at 35-40%.
According to Statista, as of 2021, around 1.9 million individuals in Nigeria had contracted HIV, with approximately 90 percent of them undergoing antiretroviral treatment. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, emphasized that while there has been a slight decrease in new HIV cases, the pace of improvement is inadequate. The percentage of mother-to-child transmission of the virus remains high at 35 to 40 percent, significantly below the targeted reduction of 75 percent. Nigeria’s health policy implementation and public health strategies are clearly lacking, as evidenced by the failure to meet important health benchmarks.
Complacency has played a significant role in the increase of HIV/AIDS cases. Many have adopted the false belief that the infection is no longer a present issue, leading to a decline in public awareness efforts, health Education programs, and preventive measures. This perception of safety has resulted in negligence both on a personal and institutional scale. Both NACA and the Ministry of Health are largely to blame for the decline. Despite leading the nation’s response to HIV/AIDS, they have not been successful. Their inability to maintain progress in fighting this Epidemic is evident.
Gov’t should allocate more funding to programs concerning the virus.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the crucial importance of enhancing communication strategies to combat the virus effectively. It is imperative that they prioritize educating the general population on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Utilizing contemporary communication methods and directly interacting with communities are crucial in order to effectively disseminate this critical information nationwide. Valuable lessons can be learned from countries in the international community that have successfully tackled the virus. Switzerland and Sweden are prime examples of nations that have achieved the milestone of zero new cases through strong public health measures, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and enduring political dedication.
Botswana and Rwanda, both in Africa, are experiencing great progress. In Botswana, the government’s dedication to offering free antiretroviral therapy to its people has resulted in one of the highest rates of HIV treatment coverage globally. Rwanda has found success by using a healthcare system based on community involvement and driven by a strong political determination to effectively implement health policies across the board. It is imperative that the government allocate more funding to HIV/AIDS programs to ensure effective resource distribution, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Related Article: FG Says HIV/AIDS at Endemic Phase in Nigeria
Empowering grassroots organizations and community leaders to raise awareness and educate their communities about HIV prevention and treatment is essential for combating the spread of the virus. Partnering with global entities, businesses, and community groups can improve the impact of the virus initiatives. By working together, these collaborations offer expertise, financial support, and creative ideas to strengthen the country’s efforts in combating the disease. It is imperative that the government take immediate action to protect the country’s health and future, as the time for inaction has passed.