Babatunji Wusu –
- The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has placed 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS on treatment, surpassing the projected number by 223%.
- Of those on treatment, 1,048 are children, receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
- The FCT has strengthened HIV services with 122 delivery points across its six Area Councils and decentralized community-based care sites.
- The government is focusing on pediatric HIV, with initiatives like mentor mothers and trained caregivers to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
- Strong partnerships with national and international organizations have been crucial to these successes.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has made significant progress in its HIV/AIDS response, with 61,384 people now receiving treatment. This number exceeds the initial target by 223%, showcasing the state’s commitment to addressing the HIV epidemic. Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services, revealed this achievement at a press conference marking the 2024 World AIDS Day in Abuja.
The figures include 1,048 children, representing 3.8% of those on treatment, who are benefiting from life-saving antiretroviral therapy. The FCT’s HIV prevalence rate stands at 1.4%, slightly above the national average of 1.3%. Fasawe highlighted the territory’s expansion of HIV services, with 122 service delivery points across six Area Councils, and additional decentralized community-based care through 285 conventional and 37 unconventional sites, ensuring that care reaches even the most remote areas.
The FCT has implemented several initiatives to address pediatric HIV, including training mentor mothers to guide pregnant women through care pathways, and engaging traditional birth attendants to emphasize facility births and early HIV testing for infants. Additionally, the territory has expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV in at-risk individuals.
Fasawe attributed these successes to strong partnerships with organizations such as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, and international partners like the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. These collaborations have focused on key populations, including women, children, and vulnerable groups, ensuring access to care with dignity.
While celebrating these achievements, Fasawe emphasized the continued need for efforts to tackle pediatric HIV and reduce stigma, which remains a significant barrier to care. The FCTA remains committed to reaching underserved populations and providing comprehensive care for every person living with HIV in the territory.
The activities for World AIDS Day will conclude on Tuesday with a road walk from Government Secondary School, Garki, to Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10.
