By Muhammad Amaan
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said significant progress has been recorded as Nigeria is on track to meet the 2030 target in ending the epidemic as a public health by 2030.
Director General of the agency, Dr Temitope Ilori, stated this at a press conference organised ahead of the commemoration of World AIDS Day (WAD), themed “Overcoming disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV response” on Tuesday in Abuja.
The WAD is observed every December 1 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, promote global solidarity, review progress in combating the epidemic and recommit towards eliminating HIV.
She revealed that Nigeria has met two of the three 2030 global HIV targets, indicating significant progress in the country’s response to the epidemic and its efforts to improve HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets aim to ensure that by 2030, 95 per cent of all people living with HIV know their HIV status.
Also, 95 per cent of all people diagnosed with HIV receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 per cent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy achieve viral suppression.
According to her, Nigeria remains firmly on track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. And we will not stop until that goal is achieved.
”Over the past year, Nigeria has continued to record important achievements in its HIV response.
“We have maintained an impressive 87–98–95 performance toward the global 95–95–95 targets, demonstrating significant progress in diagnosis, treatment coverage, and viral suppression across the country.
”87 per cent of people living with HIV in Nigeria know their status; 98 per cent of those who know their status are on life-saving treatment; while 95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression—meaning they cannot transmit HIV.”
Dr Ilori said that Nigeria in the last decade has recorded a 46 per cent decline in new HIV infections and more Nigerians living with HIV are enrolled and retained in care than ever before.
She, however, noted that even though state-led efforts in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission have strengthened early infant diagnosis and paediatric treatment, they still require focused attention.
The DG noted that despite the unprecedented disruptions, including a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, fluctuating donor support, and shifts in the global health financing landscape, Nigeria’s HIV response has not faltered.
“In 2024 alone, 204,201 individuals from key populations were actively receiving antiretroviral therapy, with strong viral suppression rates among those retained in care.
“Domestic resource mobilisation efforts are deepening, with several states increasing budget allocations and strengthening HIV Trust Funds to enhance sustainability and national ownership.
“When global funding uncertainties threatened to disrupt essential services, the Federal Government stepped in decisively, injecting $200 million to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services, as well as allied infections,” she said.
According to Ilori, despite progress, serious challenges persist, including ongoing stigma, discrimination, dependence on external funding, and limited access to services in hard-to-reach areas.
She emphasised the need for increased domestic financing, stronger multisectoral coordination and a continued commitment to fighting stigma and discrimination, ensuring safe and inclusive environments for all.
Mr Gabriel Undelikwo, representative of UNAIDS, commended Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening national systems, securing local financing, and ensuring access to treatment.
Mr Undelikwo reaffirmed UNAIDS’ support to Nigeria and stressed that achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 will require sustained leadership, collaboration, and community empowerment.
