The Federal Capital Territory Administration has successfully placed 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) on treatment, surpassing its projected target by 223%.
This was disclosed by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, during a press conference in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day.
The theme for this year, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children,” underscores the need to address pediatric HIV and ensure the rights of all those affected by the disease are upheld.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, aims to foster awareness, support, and solidarity for those living with HIV/AIDS while honoring those lost to the disease.
Dr. Fasawe, represented by Dr. Olubenga Bello, Director-General of the FCTA Hospital Management Board, stated that the 61,384 individuals receiving treatment include 1,048 children, who are on life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
The FCT, with an estimated population of 6.95 million, has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4%, slightly above the national figure of 1.3%.
The FCTA has significantly expanded HIV services, operating 122 service delivery points across the six Area Councils.
Additionally, 285 conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites provide decentralized, community-based care to reach even the most remote populations.
“This decentralized model ensures no one is left behind, enabling communities to access quality care close to home,” Dr. Fasawe emphasized.
The FCTA has also expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV among individuals at risk.
The achievements in the FCT were attributed to partnerships with organizations such as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and implementing partners like the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria and AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
These collaborations have prioritized vulnerable groups, including women, children, and key populations, ensuring that those diagnosed with HIV receive comprehensive care and dignity.
While celebrating the progress made, Dr. Fasawe stressed the need for sustained efforts to address the high burden of pediatric HIV in Nigeria, prevent new infections, and link individuals to care.
She reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to ending stigma and discrimination, which remain significant barriers to accessing care. Efforts will be intensified to reach vulnerable populations and ensure universal access to quality HIV care.
The commemoration of World AIDS Day in the FCT concludes on Tuesday with a road walk from Government Secondary School, Garki, to the Old Parade Ground in Garki Area 10, aimed at raising awareness and fostering community engagement.
