Temitope Ilori, the director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), revealed that in 2023, there were 75,000 new cases of HIV and 45,000 HIV-related deaths.
This update came during a two-day gathering of the National Prevention Technical Working Group (NPTWG), convened by NACA in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ilori highlighted a gradual decline in new HIV infections, underscoring the critical need to enact recommendations from the 2024 Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference and other ongoing consultations to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
She added, “It is disheartening to know that in 2023, we had as many as 75,000 new infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths.
“This is a cause for concern. And we also know that even in our mother-to-child transmission, we are just about 35 to 40% as against the 75% target. So, we know we have a lot of work to do.”
Muhammad Pate, the minister overseeing health and social welfare coordination, urged stakeholders to review progress in initiatives and strategies to prevent HIV transmission.
Speaking through Bashorun Adebobola, the national coordinator of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NASCP), Mr Pate stressed the importance of improving our communication strategies to convey accurate messages effectively.
“Even though we have made impressive gains, it does not mean that we are still not at risk or a threat of a rebound of the infection, and this is where communication needs to be strengthened so that we can achieve that overall goal before 2030.”
Leo Zekeng, the UNAIDS country director and representative in Nigeria, highlighted that Nigeria, like many others, is not making sufficient progress to achieve the 2025 prevention target.
He mentioned that “Despite significant advancements, preventing new HIV infections remains a major challenge, with several countries, Nigeria included, falling short of the 2025 prevention goal.”
“We are here as UNAIDS and the UN system in support and solidarity with the government’s efforts to address HIV prevention and appreciate the renewed and continued leadership of NACA on HIV prevention.
“From the 2023 estimates, 45,000 deaths and 75,000 new infections are huge. We still have a lot to do.”
Mr. Zekeng proposed that the plan should incorporate a quarterly performance framework to ensure accountability and monitor progress effectively.
In a separate statement, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the national coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), underscored the significance of HIV treatment as the most effective method of prevention.
He said, “Once someone is living with HIV, he or she must adhere to medications, and then definitely the chances of transmitting HIV to another person are zero.”
Evans Emerson, the deputy country coordinator for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), stressed the importance of involving young people, key populations, and others to eradicate HIV as a public health threat.
Mr. Emerson reaffirmed the U.S.’s dedication to providing financial support to implement innovative strategies and approaches for HIV prevention and treatment in Nigeria.
The director-general of NACA also revealed the Technical Report and Communique from the 2024 HIV Prevention Conference.