The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has reported that Nigeria records around 22,000 new HIV infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths among children yearly.
Speaking at the 2024 World AIDS Day Press Conference, NACA’s Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, highlighted the challenges in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), with coverage rates below 33%, far from the global target of 95%. According to the UNAIDS 2023 report, approximately 160,000 Nigerian children aged 0-14 are living with HIV.
Dr. Ilori acknowledged implementation gaps despite the 2021 adoption of the Global Alliance Action Plan to end AIDS in children. To address this, a national acceleration committee has been established by the Minister of State for Health to monitor progress.
Nigeria’s HIV prevalence among those aged 15-64 stands at 1.4%, with an estimated 2 million people living with HIV.
The Nigeria Country Coordinator for PEPFAR, Funmi Adesanya, stressed the need to sustain progress in treatment and reduce new infections. She also called for addressing stigma, discrimination, and structural inequalities affecting access to care, particularly for marginalized groups.
Dr. Patrick Dakum, CEO of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), represented by Dr. Olayemi Olupitan, emphasized the importance of renewed commitment and investment. Similarly, UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Leo Zekeng, urged increased domestic funding, political commitment, and sustainable strategies to place more individuals on treatment.
