Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of free HIV testing, counseling, and treatment services available at primary healthcare centers across the country.
According to the executive director of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina on Friday, early detection and treatment are crucial in reducing HIV-related illnesses and deaths.
“Get tested, get treated, and stay healthy,” Aina emphasized, highlighting the agency’s commitment to providing accessible, stigma-free health services.
Nigeria has made significant progress in combating HIV/AIDS, with nearly 2 million individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) as of March 2023.
The country has also intensified its efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, with over 1.1 million pregnant women tested for HIV at antenatal clinics between April 2022 and March 2023. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, with 74,000 new HIV infections and 51,000 AIDS-related deaths reported in 2021.
The NPHCDA says it’s working to ensure the availability of HIV services in all primary healthcare centers, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The agency aims to align its efforts with global initiatives to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
