Tackling The HIV/AIDS Scourge 

Nigeria participated in the global commemoration of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2023, with all levels of government, local communities, and civic organisations actively participating in the movement to prevent HIV/AIDS’ continued proliferation and eliminate it in the country. The event gathered global support for those living with and impacted by HIV, as well as commemorating the lives of people affected.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this year’s theme: “Let Communities Lead” emphasises the crucial role that communities can and should play in achieving the objective of zero new HIV infections in the country. WHO acknowledges that the involvement of communities affected by HIV, as well as networks of individuals from key populations and youth leaders, has been and remains crucial for advancement in the HIV response.
The global health body highly recommends that local communities collaborate with state governments, the Federal Government, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to offer crucial services for prevention, testing, and treatment support. This partnership should aim to establish trust, develop innovative solutions, promote health, monitor the implementation of policies and programmes, and ensure accountability of care providers.
In 2021, Statista reported 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV, with women being the most affected group. The number of HIV-positive children under 14 reached 170,000. Only 1.46 million individuals in Nigeria had access to antiretroviral therapy by 2020, with 86.04 per cent of the population receiving it. The administration of antiretroviral drugs successfully reached 86.04 per cent of the population.
Despite the steady increase in the number of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2010 to 2020, with the figure rising from 340,000 to 1.46 million, there is still a need for further efforts to improve access. While progress has been made, it is crucial to continue working towards increasing accessibility to ART for all those in need.
The United Nations predicts that the HIV/AIDS epidemic could be eradicated by 2030 through innovative and consistent remedial programmes. The organisation emphasises the necessity for new approaches and a commitment to tackling the global health crisis. Effective prevention strategies, access to treatment, and addressing social and economic factors will help end the scourge within the next decade.
Consequently, the global body urges governments, communities, and care givers to maintain their unwavering dedication and persistence in these eradication endeavours. The key message conveyed by the body is that the goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS can only be accomplished if local communities and support services are provided with the necessary resources and support.
However, Nigeria faces a challenge in sustaining these efforts. The campaign against HIV/AIDS in the country has weakened or declined in recent years, posing a hurdle for the government and advocacy groups involved. This suggests that a renewed commitment and stronger initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS within Nigeria is required.
There is a unanimous agreement among political leaders, civil society, and development partners that to eradicate AIDS as a public health threat in Nigeria, all tiers of government must enhance their domestic funding.
Regrettably, several states have not been adequately addressing the proliferation of this menace. World AIDS Day, therefore, presents an opportunity for states to allocate additional resources towards combating this affliction.
Rivers State has sadly been ranked as the third highest state in Nigeria with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, despite the availability of free treatment. This information was revealed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, in a statement released to commemorate this year’s event. The 2018 National AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey indicated that the state came after Akwa Ibom and Benue states in terms of the number of people living with the virus.
The commissioner said that 95 per cent of those affected were aware of their HIV status, with 98 per cent receiving necessary treatment. Furthermore, 87 per cent of individuals are virally suppressed and are currently being treated across 116 medical facilities throughout the state. Considering these statistics, it is essential for the state to exert more effort in eradicating this disease.
The Nigerian Agency for the Control of AIDS needs to enhance its programmes and eliminate barriers for Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS to access necessary drugs. The Coordinating Minister of Health, Ali Pate, must prioritise and allocate funds to the HIV/AIDS programme, ensuring adequate funding and revitalisation of the programme.
The prevention and control of HIV in Nigeria require collective efforts and comprehensive education.
To elicit the desired change, everyone should assume responsibility for their own health. This entails actively seeking knowledge about the causes, transmission modes, and risk factors associated with HIV. By fostering a culture of awareness, people can make informed decisions and take precautions to safeguard their well-being. Indeed, this is how communities lead for results.
Also, to reduce HIV exposure, Nigerians should adopt a lifestyle that avoids risky behaviours like unprotected sexual intercourse, needle sharing, and illicit drug use. Avoidance of risky behaviours reduces vulnerability to contracting the disease. However, the responsibility should not solely fall on individuals; all stakeholders should be involved in this campaign. By involving all stakeholders, communities become the rallying point for galvanising and mobilising resources to tame the scourge.
Again, collaboration among government bodies, non-governmental organisations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders is crucial for effective HIV prevention and control. This will enable accurate information dissemination, accessible healthcare services, and broader preventive measures to promote a knowledgeable, responsible communities better equipped to tackle the HIV challenges. Of course, letting communities lead provides the best workable pathway to winning the war against HIV/AIDS and accelerating better health for all in our time.