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Tag: HIV

  • WHO approves immediate global rollout of breakthrough HIV injection

    WHO approves immediate global rollout of breakthrough HIV injection

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for the immediate global rollout of a breakthrough HIV drug, lenacapavir (LEN), that only requires two injections per year to offer near-total protection against HIV and the development of AIDS.

    Described as a long-acting antiretroviral alternative to daily pills, lenacapavir was hailed by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus as “the next best thing” in HIV prevention, given the absence of an effective vaccine.

    “Lenacapavir has been shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among at-risk populations,” he said in a statement on Monday during the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS 2025) Conference on HIV Science, in Kigali, Rwanda.

    WHO emphasised the urgent need to make LEN widely accessible, through pharmacies, clinics, and online consultations, especially as global HIV prevention efforts are faltering.

    To increase access, the agency also recommended rapid HIV testing over more complex and costly methods.

    According to WHO, 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2024, with the most affected groups being sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, prison populations, and young people.

    While lenacapavir is currently available mainly in clinical trials, the WHO urged governments, donors, and partners to incorporate it into national HIV prevention programmes without delay.

    The recommendation aligned with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of LEN in June.

    Other WHO-endorsed HIV prevention tools include daily oral PrEP, injectable cabotegravir (every two months), and the dapivirine vaginal ring.

    The call for urgent action came amid major funding cuts to global HIV/AIDS programmes, including PEPFAR, the leading U.S. initiative launched in 2003.

    “We have the tools and the knowledge to end AIDS,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes.

    “What we need now is bold implementation of these recommendations, grounded in equity and powered by communities.”

    By the end of 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV worldwide, 65 per cent of them in Africa.

    Around 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes that year, while 31.6 million were on antiretroviral treatment, up from 30.3 million in 2023.

  • FEC endorses ₦10.3bn for HIV Drugs, diabetes kits, others

    FEC endorses ₦10.3bn for HIV Drugs, diabetes kits, others

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has endorsed about N10.3 billion for the procurement of antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, diabetes diagnostic kits, and other essential health commodities.

    Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, who briefed State House correspondents on the approvals, noted that the move is aimed at enhancing the accessibility and affordability of health commodities, and health services, by Nigerians.

    “A few weeks ago, we approved the first-line antiretroviral drugs, and now we are putting forth resources, almost N997 million worth of contract, to procure the third-line antiretroviral drugs for those who are HIV-infected.

    “I believe you will understand the importance of this, given the changes in global health financing and the shift towards domestic financing to ensure Nigerians continue receiving the treatment they require,” he said.

    According to Pate, the second category of the approved contracts includes the procurement of locally manufactured diagnostic kits for diabetes.

    “Diabetes is a major issue in our country. It’s among the fastest-growing segments. We have lots of our population suffering from diabetes, and some are not even aware they have it,” he stated.

    He further stated that a private company based in Lagos has been commissioned to manufacture diagnostic test kits.

    “So, government is procuring the diagnostic kits, the on-point blood glucose monitoring system that is manufactured here in Nigeria. This is bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain by encouraging local manufacturers,” Pate said.

    Monitoring devices will also be distributed across primary healthcare centres, and health workers will be trained to assist patients in tracking their blood sugar levels.

    Pate noted that the president had previously emphasised the need for a medical relief program to reduce the cost of medical commodities.

    In line with this directive, he said N4.5 billion would be allocated for the procurement of antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications—beyond the test kits—to help lower costs.

    He also highlighted that the test kits were manufactured in Nigeria as part of efforts to support local production.

    Additionally, the minister disclosed that N2.1 billion had been approved for the procurement of a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation and equipping of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

    He explained that the upgraded facility would enhance diagnostic and clinical care services, making the hospital a referral centre not only for Bauchi State but also for the broader region.

  • Nigerian photographer living with HIV gives reason for having unprotected sex with 400 ladies

    Nigerian photographer living with HIV gives reason for having unprotected sex with 400 ladies

    A Nigerian photographer, identified as Chika Michael Ekezie has opened up  about his past, sharing that he had unprotected sex with over 400 women despite living with HIV.

    Chika, in a recent episode of Doyin’s Corner, narrated how he discovered that he was HIV positive while working at a photography studio in Kano.

    According to the young man, he had been promiscuous from a young age, having sex with approximately 1,000 women.

    He further admitted that he would often pay women for unprotected sex, citing a lack of pleasure from protected sex.

    He added that he would visit churches, including House on the Rock, and deceive members into believing he had ailments such as Asthma, Arthritis, and HIV before his diagnosis.

    He said he would use his eloquence to gain the trust of church members, who would then provide him with financial assistance.

    He said, “I got into photography with a renowned photographer in Nigeria. And I was posted to Kano. And because I was promiscuous, I started having sex with anybody I saw. It was cheap there. I spent five months in Kano. Obalende was my home. I was not gaining pleasure from protected sex.

    “I was always paying more for unprotected sex. N700 to have sex and N300 for room. I offer to pay N200 more or drink to have unprotected sex. I started falling sick. I started having a fever and diarrhea.

    “And at a point, I broke down totally and was admitted to the hospital. People that were working with me advised that I go for a test. I was given money and I was directed to the counsellor’s office.

    “I did not have a problem with having HIV. When I was lying in church at the time. I will deliberately not take my bath for two months because I want to look dirty. I was not upset and just said ‘Oh finally’. I started feeling upset when the stigmatisation started on that same day. I was sent away from the company.”

    Chika said after his diagnosis, he continued to have unprotected sex, citing depression and a lack of pleasure from protected sex.

    He said at some point, he attempted suicide, which was widely reported in the media.

    “I actually continued having sex with people. Most times, because I do not enjoy sex with protection. I had more with HIV because I was depressed. I am out here to create awareness for people,” he said.

    “When you are depressed it kills your conscience. I had sex for seven years unprotected.

    “The total number of ladies I have had sex can be a thousand. But in those seven years, I could say more than 400. I started having sex very early.

    “I attempted suicide and it was carried by all the blogs. And from there life changed.”

  • After Trump stopped aids, FG announces launch of Nigeria-made HIV/AIDS Drugs for 2025

    After Trump stopped aids, FG announces launch of Nigeria-made HIV/AIDS Drugs for 2025

    After US President Donald Trump stopped foreign aids, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, has said plans are ongoing to support the domestic production of HIV commodities such as test kits and anti-retroviral drugs before the end of 2025.

    Ilori disclosed this at the weekend in Ilorin, Kwara State, while inaugurating the Kwara Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission and Pediatrics ART Acceleration Committee.

    The NACA DG explained that domestic production of HIV commodities was part of ways the government was creating an enabling environment for ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    She added that other ways include enrolling all individuals in the national health insurance program, mobilising resources to states and strengthening advocacy efforts and supporting vaccine research and innovation.

    Ilori said the committee being set up was aimed at achieving an AIDS-Free Generation and ensuring a sustainable HIV response.

    ‘’UNAIDS 2023 reports indicate that approximately 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurring annually.

    ‘’Despite progress, PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remains below 33%, far from the 95% target.

    ‘’To address this, the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children was developed in 2021 with full financial support, yet coverage remains suboptimal,’’ she said.

    The NACA DG noted that Kwara State’s HIV prevalence (0.8%) was below the national average of 1.4%, disparities persist.

    ‘’Women are disproportionately affected (1.3%) compared to men (0.4%), and some local governments require targeted interventions to maintain and further reduce prevalence rates.

    ‘’Achieving an AIDS-Free Generation is within reach, and no child should be born HIV-positive in Kwara State.

    ‘’I urge all partners to support us in developing a comprehensive line-list of children of HIV-positive clients, which is crucial to accelerating paediatric ART nationwide,’’ she added.

    Ilori said that the Minister of State for Health has established a national acceleration committee, and the model was being replicated at the state level to eliminate mother-to-child transmission and enhance real-time program monitoring.

    She however noted that there was a need for government-led sustainability efforts to address government’s continued reliance on donor support.

    ‘’Over the past few days, I have received numerous calls regarding the implications of the 90-day foreign aid suspension on our HIV program.

    ‘’While we are relieved that HIV services remain exempt, this situation underscores the need for government-led sustainability efforts.

    Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, however assured that the state government would ensure the committee achieves its mandate.

  • HIV/AIDS remains dangerous to life, says NDDC, holds free medical tests

    HIV/AIDS remains dangerous to life, says NDDC, holds free medical tests

    Despite the seeming perception of a diminishing spread of HIV/AIDS with the advent of new viruses, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has warned that the scourge remains dangerous to humans, is incurable and still prevalent in Nigeria.
    At an event to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day in Agbor, Delta State, the federal agency held a sensitization programme on creating awareness on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and measures for its prevention and control.
    Organised in collaboration with Gibert Hill Foundation, the programme had the theme “Take the right paths: My health, my right.”
    Warning against the thinking that the dangers of HIV/AIDS are diminishing, Dr. Usama Ejiro of Delta State Ministry of Health said HIV/AIDS remains a dangerous and life threatening disease that is still actively spreading in communities.
     However, she noted that the spread could be prevented and controlled through enlightenment campaigns, safety measures and proper health management control.
    Dr. Ejiro said the need for individuals to understand their health status has become very necessary as that would help them to know their health condition.
    Also speaking at the occasion, Delta State’s representative at the commission, Mrs. Irene Emowodia, said the essence of the awareness campaign was to educate the people on the need to know their health status.
     “The HIV/AIDS sensitization exercise is in line with the vision to eradicate the spread of the deadly disease in the society,” she said.
    Mrs. Emowodia pledged that the NDDC will continue to prioritize the welfare of the people in the region by ensuring that they live and enjoy a conducive, healthy and safe region.
    In her remarks, Mrs Grace Alekwe of the Department of Community Health, Ika South Local Government Council who spoke on the advantages of family planning and birth control in the society, told participants at the programme to understand the need for child spacing and birth control in a modern society.
    The sensitization programme was followed with a free medical test exercise on HIV/AIDS and was part of the commission’s efforts to carry out community sensitization and screening exercise in the Niger Delta region.
  • Just in: Plateau govt raises alarm on HIV scare

    Just in: Plateau govt raises alarm on HIV scare

    Concerns have been raised by the Plateau State government regarding the ongoing stigmatisation of HIV-positive individuals in the state.

    The state government demanded a halt, claiming that it is impeding attempts to limit the spread of the illness and keeping people from getting the care they require.

    The announcement was made by State Commissioner for Health Dr. Cletus Shurkuk during a press briefing to introduce the 2024 World AIDS Day celebrations, which will have as their subject “Take the Right Path to End HIV/AIDS.”

    In order to remove obstacles and create a space where people feel empowered and safe enough to talk about their health without worrying about being judged, the Commissioner urged all parties involved to cooperate.

    According to him, they came together to begin the observance of World AIDS Day, which served as a reminder of the continuous fight against HIV/AIDS and their shared duty to make sure that their communities were aware, encouraged, and empowered.

    Shurkuk said, “As we come together, we reflect on the strides we have made, the challenges that remain, and the future we aspire to create where every individual can lead a healthy and fulfilling life, free from the stigma and discrimination associated with this virus, and overall an AIDS-free generation.”

    The Commissioner went on to say that the theme struck a deep chord with Plateau State’s government’s dedication to promoting health equity and guaranteeing that all people, irrespective of background, had access to essential information, testing, and treatment services.

    He claimed that the state has made great strides in the battle against HIV/AIDS, noting that 2,260 new instances of HIV infection and 581 fatalities had been documented in 2023.

    According to him, the State has met the 88-98-95 target towards the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) goal of 95 percent of people with HIV infection knowing their status. He also stated that approximately 46,828 pregnant women were tested for HIV between January and June 2024, and an estimated 45,835 people are currently on life-saving ART.

  • How I contracted HIV after cheating on my wife for the first time — Nigerian man opens up

    How I contracted HIV after cheating on my wife for the first time — Nigerian man opens up

    Salisu Ahmed, a Nigerian man, has opened up about how an extramarital affair cost him his health, marriage and job.

    Ahmed, in a recent interview with reality star Doyin David, revealed that he contracted the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after his first extramarital sexual encounter.

    Ahmed, who have been living with the virus for 31 years opened up the stigma he faced, including being denied access to a shared toilet and bathroom, losing his teaching job, and being abandoned by his wife and children.

    He said: “I am Salisu Ahmed, I have been living with this virus for 31 years.”

    “The first experiment of going outside my matrimonial home is how it happened. It has been proven that about 85 to 90 percent of people living with HIV contracted this thing through sexual intercourse.

    “I was denied the use of the bathroom of the compound, I was not allowed to access the toilet, I was formerly a teacher so I was asked honourably to stop coming to the school.

    “She packed everything including the children at home, they left me.”

  • Stakeholders urge women with HIV/AIDS to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding

    Stakeholders urge women with HIV/AIDS to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding

    Stakeholders on Wednesday urged women living with HIV/AIDS to practice exclusive breastfeeding to boost their babies’ immunity and protect them against diarrhoea and other childhood illnesses.

    Helen Aphan, Assistant Secretary, Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, made the call while commemorating World Breastfeeding Week in Abuja.

    The theme of the breastfeeding week is ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All’.

    Aphan said women from marginalised populations, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, often faced breastfeeding challenges due to concerns about mother-to-child transmission.

    However, she revealed that this could be avoided and prevented with exclusive breastfeeding, as the virus is not transmitted through breast milk.

    According to her, apart from the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the child, it ensures that babies born to positive mothers live healthy lives with good nutritional outcomes.

    “The structurally silent women who are often inadequately enlightened, we gather to reaffirm our commitment to promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the cornerstone of maternal and child health.

    “Breastfeeding is exclusive only if you do it exclusively for six months without interference.

    “As we observe the 2024 World Breastfeeding Day, we will discuss progress, challenges, and strategy as we ensure that every breastfeeding mother and child receives the support to thrive,” she said.

    Beatrice Aluku, a nurse at Karu General Hospital, said that contrary to the belief that the child could be infected with the virus through breastfeeding, breast milk does not contain the HIV virus.

    “Babies cannot be infected through exclusive breastfeeding except if there is a wound on the mother’s breast during breastfeeding.

    “Women living with HIV/AIDS are not excluded from breastfeeding because it is very important to the mothers in terms of recuperating and returning to their pre-pregnancy state.

    “It is important to the child because the child gains every nutrient and immunity needed from the mother.

    “I advise HIV-infected mothers not to be scared of feeding your child for up to one year.

    “The reason why you don’t breastfeed for more than one year is that at that stage, the baby’s teeth are out, and the baby can bite the mother, suck on the blood, and end up getting infected,” she said.

    Also, Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), noted the crucial role community-based initiatives play in reaching grassroots women with information on breastfeeding benefits, especially for women living with HIV/AIDS.

    Ilori, represented by Esther Ikomi, Deputy Director, Policy Planning and Coordination, NACA said “Breastfeeding support is essential for all mothers.”

    Ojo Victoria, a participant at the event who exclusively breastfed three of her four children, said apart from saving cost, she had discovered that exclusive breastfeeding improved the health and intelligence of her children.

    Alhaji Aminu Bako, Traditional Chief of Kuruduma community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reiterated the commitment of traditional leaders to support grassroots initiatives seeking to better the lives of the populace.

    HIV/AIDS no longer a public threat – Stakeholders

    An NGO, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), announced on Wednesday that it has provided in-care HIV/AIDS services support to more than 2 million persons living with the virus globally.

    Dr Echey Ijezie, Nigeria’s Country Director, made this known at an event in Abuja to mark the milestone recorded in 47 countries since its more than 20 years of operation.

    “We are immensely proud to reach this historic milestone when our global programmes launched 20 years ago in South Africa and Uganda with 100 patients in each.

    “We never imagined we would be serving 2 million lives under our care around the world.

    “At the time we started, it cost 5,000 dollars per patient annually for ARVs. Today, more than half of AHF’s 2 million lives receiving care are in Africa.

    “The combination of medicine and advocacy, implementing prevention, care, and treatment programmes, and the support of government and other international donors have allowed us to reach this momentous achievement collectively.

    “In Nigeria, we started with a zero patient base in 2011, but today, we have 29,000 in care under the Nigeria programme.

    “Many of them in very remote locations in Abuja, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Kogi, and Nasarawa states,” he said.

    He added that AHF continued to leverage innovative healthcare delivery models to expand its reach and impact, especially in communities, by providing comprehensive medical care, treatment, testing, prevention, and support services.

    Ijezie reiterated the commitment of AHF to advocate for access to HIV treatment and care for everyone who needed it by supporting the government in HIV/AIDS intervention and response.

    Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of the Public Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while commending AHF, reiterated the government’s commitment towards improving health outcomes and unlocking the health sector value chain.

    “We are excited to be working with AHF; one thing stands out – their robustness in getting to the hard-to-reach areas to support those living with the virus.

    “We are excited about their intervention that has brought succour and hope for not just the people living with the virus, but other people as well,” he said.

    Abdulkadir Ibrahim, National Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), said the more than 2 million persons in care treatment showed AHF’s commitment to ending the virus globally.

    “Putting 2 million lives on treatment shows that we are moving towards ending AIDS in Nigeria and globally.

    “Scientifically, we know that treatment is working and serves as a means of prevention.

    “By this, it shows that AIDS is no longer a public threat, as people are living and accessing treatment and living a healthy life.”

    Oluwafunke Odunkade, Technical Officer, HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STI, WHO-Nigeria, stressed the need to continue to ensure that all the people brought into care have optimum access to healthcare services.

    “While we celebrate, we must be reminded that this is not the end. We still have the last hurdle to cross, and we can only achieve that by collaboratively rethinking our strategies.

    “We are ensuring that HIV is fully mainstreamed into the health systems and not standing alone, and also ensuring that all the people that we brought into care have the optimum level of care.

    “It is not just for us to have the numbers, but it’s important that they have optimum care,” she said.

  • NGO organizes Marathon Race for Sec Schools, advocates zero HIV/AIDS amongst youths

    NGO organizes Marathon Race for Sec Schools, advocates zero HIV/AIDS amongst youths

    By Wevole Ezin

    In commemoration with the World AIDS Day, Talents-Afrique Reservoir Foundation has organized her sixth 10.5km Quarter Marathon Race for secondary schools in Cross River state, Calabar.

    Speaking at the weekend, shortly after presentation of trophies to the six winners by the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, at the event of the 2023 commemoration of the World AIDS Day in Calabar, the Chairman/ Founder of Talents-Afrique Reservoir Foundation, Dr. Daniel Okwoche said bringing together young talents through the use of sport was his little way of advocating for zero HIV/AIDS safe society.

    He said this year’s theme: “Communities; Leadership to End AIDS By 2030” aligned with the goals and objectives of the foundation to educate the younger generation on the dangers and how to prevent HIV/AIDS from spreading.

    “The marathon race is for secondary school children and the race itself is an awareness creation for HIV/AIDS pandemic and it serves as a cutting race to commemorate the World AIDS Day which is usually 1st of December. The race also serves as an avenue to bring children closer, educate them on the dangers and how to prevent HIV/ AIDS.

    “This programme is good for adolescents between the ages of eleven and nineteen. It is the most precarious stage in any individual development circle, at that age, they pass through pear pressure, they engage in different forms of immoralities. They can easily contract HIV/AIDS, some go into substances use and abuse. If a child know that he or she has a programme of this magnitudes, it will keep them away from all forms of vices.”

    On what inspired him, he said, “As a young child growing up, I met such programmes, I was a beneficiary and it really shaped and changed my thinking about life but along the line, such programmes disappeared in the society and I wanted the coming generations to know that something like this can take place, that is why I want to form a bridge between the previous generation and the next generation.
    “When I see talented children wasting away with poor mentorship, I try to bring them together to see how they can develop their individual talents in any aspect of life, so those are my propelling factors that keep me going for the past six years in organizing this Marathon Race.”

    While identifying funding as one of the organisation’s challenges, Okwoche, appealed to the state government, private and public firms and sprited individuals to support the programme.

    “My challenges are that of fund and sponsorship, good spirited public individuals are shirking in the society. In those days, people see such programme it and want to go extra miles to support and sponsor such programmes but these days, it’s very rare to see someone doing that. What they don’t know is that when you develop another talent, the talent will also develop other persons in the society and at the end of the day, the circle of development will spread from one singular act that you started.”

    Winners of the Talents –Afrique 2023 Quarter Marathon Race, female category; first position, Godsmind Eteng, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria Secondary School, second position, Agnes Eyo of Government Girls Secondary School, Big Qua Town, Calabar, while third position goes to, Davina David of the same Government Girls Secondary School, Big Qua Town.

    And the male category are, fist position, Fredrick Egar, Estate Secondary School, Ikot Ansa Calabar, Wisdom Edet, also from Estate Secondary School, took the second position and Franklin Oluzurike of Ideal High School, Calabar South, came third.

    11 schools participated in the race, 13 were males while 12 were females.

    ##

  • Alarming spread of HIV in Abuja calls for concern

    Alarming spread of HIV in Abuja calls for concern

    The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has raised an alarm about the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Dr Danjuma Sanda, Regional Manager of IHVN raised the alarm on Friday in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2023 World AIDS Day, stressing “new HIV infections persist”.

    Sanda emphasised the urgent need for increased awareness and effective measures to address the HIV situation in the FCT.

    According to him, the prevalence of HIV in Abuja is a cause for concern and requires immediate attention from the government, healthcare professionals, and the general public.

    “Annually on December, 1, we come together to celebrate, showing solidarity and support for those affected and infected by HIV.

    “Recognising the impact on families and communities, we stood in unity, expressing that we are in this together.

    “This year’s World AIDS Day theme emphasizes community leadership, and I’m optimistic about seeing leaders among us.

    “Collaboration is key as we strive to reach hard-to-reach communities. Despite reaching 95 per cent saturation in the FCT, new infections persist, urging us to intensify testing efforts.

    “We have the resources—test kits, prevention tools like condoms—and leaders are called to action.

    “Testing is crucial; it’s an opportunity for everyone to know their HIV status. Remember, HIV is not a death sentence; we have life-saving antiretroviral medication. Let us tackle this challenge together,” he explained.

    Sanda highlighted the importance of raising awareness about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment options to combat the spread of the virus.

    He called for intensified efforts to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services, including HIV testing, counselling, and treatment facilities in Abuja.

    He stressed the significance of early detection and prompt treatment to ensure better health outcomes for individuals living with HIV.

    Furthermore, Sanda emphasised the importance of community engagement and involvement in tackling the HIV epidemic.

    He called for collaborations between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities to develop and implement effective strategies to control the spread of HIV in Abuja.

    He also highlighted the need for targeted interventions among key populations, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.

    Sanda stressed the importance of non-discriminatory and inclusive healthcare services to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or lifestyle, has access to HIV prevention and treatment services.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka, has urged the people of AMAC to unite in combating this wave of HIV and put an end to the pain it inflicts.

    Zakka, who was represented by Mr Mustafa Abdulkarim, Acting Director, AMAC, said that the council would continue to work with relevant agencies to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS.

    He said that in communities living with, and affected by HIV, networks of people from key populations and youth leaders have been, and continue to be essential for progress in the HIV response in AMAC.

    He said that relevant agencies and sober partners have continued to provide essential prevention, testing and treatment support services in the FCT.

    He also said that AMAC partnered with various advocacy groups to create awareness in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the territory.

    Meanwhile, on the sidelines; IHVN laboratory Van and staff were at the venue for people to be tested by certified test counsellors.

    One of the counsellors, who pleaded anonymity, said that this was in honour of World AIDS Day, and anyone could walk in to be offered free, walk-in HIV testing.

    “As a counsellor, I am prepared to answer any patient’s questions and, if needed, connect them with the services they need.

    “According to available data, an estimated 20 per cent of the people who have HIV do not even know they’re infected.

    “People who don’t know they have HIV have a higher risk of serious medical problems and death. They can also pass the virus to others,” he said.

    He said it was important to receive an early diagnosis when it comes to treating and living with HIV, as the illness was known to damage the immune system over time.

    He said that the infection often goes undiagnosed because there may not be any obvious signs and symptoms.

    “That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple sex or needle-sharing partners,” he advised.

    Each year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

    Each World AIDS Day focuses on a specific theme, which this year is Global solidarity, and shared responsibility.

    This year’s theme joins a growing list of challenges that World AIDS Day has alerted people to globally.

    Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever international day for global health.

    Every year, United Nations agencies, governments and civil society join together to campaign around specific themes related to HIV.