The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, has expressed concern over the high prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among Nigerians, particularly women and children.
According to Dr. Ilori, Nigeria’s national HIV/AIDS prevalence stands at 1.3%, with women accounting for 59% of the affected population. Young people between 15 and 49 years old are most affected.
Dr. Ilori attributed the high rate among women to biological and socio-economic factors, including early marriage and limited economic independence.
“In Nigeria, women cannot negotiate for sex, even with their partners,” Dr. Ilori noted. “The socio-economic effect is when they don’t have the income to cater for themselves, they become dependent.”
The agency reported 22,000 children born with HIV/AIDS in 2023, with no significant decline in new infections among children.
Dr. Ilori emphasized the importance of testing and treatment, stating, “Everybody should get tested and know their status. When you know your HIV status, you can seek help.”
NACA has implemented measures to reduce mother-to-child transmission, including training traditional birth attendants and partnering with civil society organizations.
A committee launched by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare aims to oversee efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Dr. Ilori highlighted the role of the National Assembly in reducing HIV infections, stressing the need for domestic funding and appropriation.
“NACA doesn’t work in isolation,” Dr. Ilori said. “Our engagement with the National Assembly is to educate them and advocate for domestic funding.”
The agency seeks to promote local production of HIV commodities, such as condoms and test kits.
Dr. Ilori encouraged pregnant women to get tested, stating, “HIV tests are available in government health facilities for free.”
Mentor mothers, who have successfully managed their HIV status, share their stories to encourage others.
NACA collaborates with non-conventional partners to raise awareness.
The agency aims to reduce new infections and make HIV no longer a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Ilori emphasized the importance of collective efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria.
