LAGOS, Nigeria – The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has expanded its free HIV treatment and testing services to 380 health facilities across Nigeria, as part of efforts to achieve HIV epidemic control.
Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum, said the new facilities span the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Rivers States, providing access to over 238,000 individuals already receiving free antiretroviral treatment.
“Our target is 95-95-95 — to test 95 percent of people living with HIV, treat 95 percent of those who test positive, and achieve 95 percent viral suppression,” Dakum said in Abuja.
He added that IHVN’s services include HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
IHVN also partners with community and faith-based groups to promote adherence through initiatives such as the Peer Mentor Mother Programme and Group Mothers’ Love Gatherings.
Dakum commended the Nigerian government for including people living with HIV in health insurance schemes and supporting local test kit production. “By working together, we can end HIV transmission and secure a healthier future,” he said.
IHVN’s programmes are supported by PEPFAR through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
