Rising HIV infections require new action plan

New data from the National Agency for AIDS Control paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2023 alone, the country recorded 75,000 new HIV infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths. This alarming increase highlights significant failures in the national response to this epidemic.

Despite global efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, Nigeria appears to be lagging behind. This not only threatens public health but also the country’s socioeconomic stability. SDG target 3.3 aims to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases by that year. Nigeria therefore needs a multi-pronged approach to combat the disease.

According to the World Health Organization, HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluid. However, it is not transmitted through kissing, hugging or sharing food. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her baby. HIV is often transmitted by sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia with someone infected with the virus, says Stanford Health Care. HIV can be treated and prevented with antiretroviral therapy.

The numbers in Nigeria are alarming. According to UNICEF, there are 190,950 HIV/AIDS infections in Nigeria each year, the second highest rate in the world. According to UNAIDS, the country ranks fourth in the world in terms of HIV burden.

In 2021, 1.9 million people in Nigeria were infected with HIV. According to Statista, about 90 percent of them were receiving antiretroviral therapy.

As NACA Director General Temitope Ilori stressed, although the number of new HIV infections is gradually declining, progress is insufficient. The mother-to-child transmission rate is currently between 35 and 40 percent. This is worrying as it is far below the reduction target of 75 percent.

This gap in meeting critical health standards points to a deep-rooted problem in the implementation of Nigerian health policies and strategies.

One of the main reasons for this increase is complacency. Over the years, the dangerous notion that HIV/AIDS is a problem of the past has spread. This misconception has led to fewer public awareness campaigns, less thorough health education, and a general neglect of preventive measures. The illusion of security has led to complacency at the individual and institutional level.

NACA and the Ministry of Health bear much of the responsibility for this regression. Despite being at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country, their efforts have been inadequate. The authorities have failed to maintain the momentum needed to effectively combat this epidemic.

Effective communication and education are of paramount importance in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Affairs, stressed, strengthening communication strategies is crucial.

There needs to be a renewed focus on public education on HIV prevention, testing and treatment, including using modern communication channels and speaking directly to the population to ensure the message reaches every corner of the country.

The international community offers valuable lessons. Several countries have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and some have even reached the zero target. Countries such as Switzerland and Sweden, for example, have successfully controlled the spread of HIV through comprehensive health policies, robust health systems and tireless political commitment.

African countries such as Botswana and Rwanda are also making great progress. Botswana, for example, has one of the highest HIV treatment rates in the world, thanks to its government’s commitment to provide free antiretroviral therapy to all citizens.

Rwanda’s success is due to its community-based approach to health care and strong political will, which ensures effective implementation of health policies at all levels.

The human and economic costs of inaction are devastating. High HIV infection rates strain health systems, shorten life expectancy and reduce workforce productivity. In addition, the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS continues to undermine social cohesion and community support systems. Without decisive action, Nigeria will fail to meet its 2030 eradication target and face a worsening health crisis.

The government must therefore increase funding for HIV/AIDS programmes and ensure that funds are channelled efficiently to areas in need, particularly rural and underserved communities.

Health infrastructure needs to be improved to ensure that testing, treatment and care are accessible to all. This includes training health workers, upgrading facilities and ensuring the availability of necessary medical supplies.

Community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS is crucial. Grassroots organizations and local leaders should be empowered to raise awareness and educate their populations on HIV prevention and treatment.

Strengthening the legal framework to protect the rights of people living with HIV and eliminate discrimination is critical. This includes ensuring that existing laws are enforced and new policies are introduced to support the national HIV response.

Collaboration with international organizations, private sector partners and civil society can increase the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programs. These partnerships can provide technical assistance, financing and innovative solutions to strengthen the national response.

It is crucial to establish a robust system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes. This includes setting clear objectives, monitoring progress and adapting strategies and interventions.

Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS is at a critical juncture. The rising number of new infections and HIV-related deaths underscores the urgent need for a renewed and comprehensive approach. By filling the gaps in our current strategies and learning from the successes of other countries, Nigeria can turn the tide against this epidemic. The time for complacency is over; the government must act now to secure the country’s health and future.