The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has urged people living with HIV to adhere to their prescribed medications to maintain their health and combat AIDS in the country.
IHVN’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum, who made this call in Abuja, said that HIV services, including testing, treatment, laboratory diagnosis, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services for pregnant women, are available for free in several public and private health facilities nationwide.
He emphasized the importance of medication adherence, noting that free HIV services are available in over 380 health facilities it is supporting across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Rivers State.
These services include: Free testing services; Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adults and children; free laboratory services for HIV diagnosis and monitoring; and free Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services for pregnant women. He said currently, over 238,000 individuals receive anti-retroviral treatment in IHVN-supported health facilities and at no time were life saving services disrupted.
IHVN, supported by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to sustain essential HIV services in collaboration with the Nigerian government.
Dr. Dakum further highlighted that comprehensive HIV prevention services are available, including free Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services for negative pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers; and free Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) services for exposed clients.
He emphasized the importance of sustainability in health programs, stating, “IHVN continues to advocate for and support sustainable health initiatives in Nigeria. We have collaborated with the government, funders, and stakeholders to achieve HIV epidemic control in supported states. Our goal is to: Test 95% of people living with HIV; initiate treatment for 95% of those who test positive; and achieve viral suppression through adherence to treatment. By working together, we can ensure a healthier future for Nigerians.”
On expanding HIV services and empowering communities, IHVN’s CEO highlighted the institute’s efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV by extending services to communities through partnerships with faith-based organizations and community leaders. This initiative includes Group Mothers’ Love Gatherings, which provides medical services and support for pregnant and nursing mothers; and Peer Mentor Mother Programs that empowers women living with HIV to support one another.
He stated that community programs have enabled caregivers and the vulnerable including children, adolescents and young adults to be reached with a comprehensive package of care and community-based intervention to improve adherence, nutrition and quality of life.
Dr. Dakum emphasized the importance of continued progress, stating, “As we navigate global changes in funding, we’re confident that our 20 years of PEPFAR support have built a strong foundation. We’ve made significant strides in program implementation, capacity building for healthcare workers, laboratory infrastructure, public health program integration, and strengthened healthcare systems.”
According to him, the Nigerian government is making progress in owning and supporting HIV programs, marked by inclusion of people living with HIV in health insurance, local production of HIV test kits, and the soon-to-be introduced HIV preventive injectable Lenacapavir.
Dr. Dakum emphasized the need for continued collaboration among government, people living with HIV, civil society organizations, and the media to sustain progress in elevating country ownership and addressing public health challenges. “By working together, stakeholders can achieve a healthier future and control the HIV epidemic,” he said.
