By Abigail Philip David
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has successfully placed 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS on treatment, according to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday to mark the 2024 World AIDS Day, Fasawe highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, *“Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children,”* emphasizing the need to address pediatric HIV and protect the rights of those affected by the disease.
Represented by Dr. Olubenga Bello, Director-General of the Hospital Management Board, Fasawe disclosed that the figure represents 223% of the projected population of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the FCT, including individuals who migrated from neighboring states. Among the total, 1,048 children—accounting for 3.8%—are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
Fasawe noted that the FCT, with a population of approximately 6.95 million, has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4%, slightly above the national average of 1.3%.
Expanding HIV Services in FCT
To ensure broad access to HIV treatment and care, the FCT has established a comprehensive network of 122 service delivery points across its six Area Councils. These include 285 conventional spoke sites and 37 community-based unconventional sites, designed to reach even the most remote populations.
“Our decentralized model ensures no one is left behind, providing communities with quality care and support close to home,” Fasawe said.
To combat pediatric HIV, unique interventions have been introduced, including:
– Mentor Mothers: Acting as linkage escorts for pregnant women, guiding them through care pathways.
– Training for Traditional Birth Attendants: Emphasizing the importance of facility-based births, early infant diagnosis, and prophylaxis.
– Community Programs: Initiatives such as *Mothers’ Love Party* and the *AP3 Initiative* support the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs.
Additionally, the FCT has expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent new HIV infections.
Collaboration and Future Goals
Fasawe attributed the progress to strong partnerships with organizations such as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, and key implementing partners like the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria and AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
“Together, we have prioritized key populations, women, children, and vulnerable groups, ensuring everyone diagnosed with HIV receives the care and dignity they deserve,” she stated.
While celebrating these achievements, Fasawe acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s high burden of pediatric HIV. Efforts will continue to identify cases, link individuals to care, and prevent new infections.
The FCT Administration also reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating stigma and discrimination, which remain barriers to care, while intensifying efforts to reach underserved populations.
World AIDS Day activities will conclude on Tuesday with a road walk from Government Secondary School, Garki, to Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10.
