The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has urged people living with HIV to adhere to their prescribed medications to maintain their health and combat AIDS in the country.
Patrick Dakum, IHVN’s Chief Executive Officer, who made this call in Abuja, emphasised the importance of medication adherence, noting that free HIV services are available in over 380 health facilities it is supporting across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Rivers State.
He informed that these services include: Free testing services; Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adults and children; free laboratory services for HIV diagnosis and monitoring; and free Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services for pregnant women. He added that currently, over 238,000 individuals receive anti-retroviral treatment in IHVN-supported health facilities and at no time were life-saving services disrupted.
Dakum emphasised the importance of sustainability in health programs, while affirming that the Institute’s goal is to test 95% of people living with HIV, initiate treatment for 95% of those who test positive, and achieve viral suppression through adherence to treatment.
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On expanding HIV services and empowering communities, IHVN’s CEO highlighted the institute’s efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV by extending services to communities through partnerships with faith-based organisations and community leaders.
He stated that community programs have enabled caregivers and the vulnerable, including children, adolescents and young adults, to be reached with a comprehensive package of care and community-based intervention to improve adherence, nutrition and quality of life.
He noted that the Nigerian government is making progress in owning and supporting HIV programs, marked by inclusion of people living with HIV in health insurance, local production of HIV test kits, and the soon-to-be introduced HIV preventive injectable Lenacapavir.
He, therefore, urged the need for continued collaboration among government, people living with HIV, civil society organisations, and the media to sustain progress in elevating country ownership and addressing public health challenges. “By working together, stakeholders can achieve a healthier future and control the HIV epidemic,” he said.
