The Federal Government of Nigeria has set a target to achieve epidemic control of HIV/AIDS by 2030, according to Adebobola Bashorun, the National Coordinator of the Ministry of Health’s National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STI Control Programme.
As per the 2019 Nigeria National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey, the country currently has approximately 1.9 million individuals living with the virus.
During the unveiling of the results of a pilot scheme conducted in Lagos and Abuja by the Society for Family Health, Bashorun emphasized the importance of self-testing and the necessity for everyone to know their HIV status.
He noted, “The HIV self-test does not need a facility. One needs only the test kits and just like pregnancy kits, it shows if it is positive or negative.
“It also helps you to quickly identify your health status and also be linked to care. So, you come for me once you test yourself, who is self-testing.
“This programme is more of a feasibility study on how it can be used in Nigeria. We are already using it, and we need to expand it.”
“The test kits are affordable and highly subsidised. A lot of them are even free but the idea is to see how it can be over the counter.”
The National Coordinator stated that the government in the last 30 years has helped treat HIV/AIDS by increasing treatment coverage.
Bashorun said, “Nigeria has increased its treatment coverage and we have been able to push out condoms as a preventive measure.
“In the last 30 years, the government has done a lot of treatment for HIV/ AIDS and escalated awareness.
“By 2030, Nigeria should be moving towards a form of epidemic control.”
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of the Society for Family Health, Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, said, “With the government, we have developed a comprehensive roadmap for private sector investment testing. This roadmap will facilitate increased private-sector involvement.
“Our efforts have been driven by a shared vision of improving access to integration of HR services across the country and recognising the importance of engaging stakeholders.”
“Through community mobilisation efforts, we have successfully reached over 50,000 individuals, creating awareness and driving engagement.”