December 01, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has launched free annual liver and kidney function tests for people living with HIV/AIDS, as part of an expanded health insurance package aimed at improving long-term health outcomes across the country.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and development partners.
Salako said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of strengthening quality care for people living with HIV, ensuring earlier diagnosis, improved treatment retention, and better overall health outcomes.
“We are moving toward full integration of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition, and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme as one-stop services for children, adolescents, and adults,” he said.
The minister also revealed that at the 66th National Council on Health, the government approved a reduction in the age of consent for voluntary HIV counselling and testing from 18 to 14 years to boost adolescent testing rates.
In addition, the Council endorsed a national clinical mentorship programme, directing state governments to incorporate mentorship into annual plans and budgets to curb loss to follow-up among patients on treatment.
Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, said Nigeria remains on track to meet the global 2030 target of ending HIV, citing strong performance across diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression indicators.
“We have achieved an impressive 87–98–95 performance: 87 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 98 per cent of those who know their status are on treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression,” she said.
Ilori added that the country has recorded a 46 per cent decline in new HIV infections, with more people now enrolled and retained in care than ever before.
President of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Abdulkadiri Ibrahim, called for increased domestic funding, stronger community engagement, and wider access to viral load testing to further improve treatment outcomes.
He stressed that adherence support, psychosocial care, and improved follow-up systems remain critical to closing prevention-of-mother-to-child transmission gaps.
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), expressed concern that children were still being born with HIV.
She urged government and partners to expand testing and treatment for pregnant women to curb the trend.
Acting UN Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, and Acting Chairman of the Global Fund, Ayo Ipinmoye, reiterated the commitment of international partners to support Nigeria in strengthening its HIV response, health system resilience, and civil society engagement.
Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, also pledged sustained efforts to ensure equitable access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services nationwide.
Attafuah highlighted the importance of domestic financing, human rights protection, and community empowerment in achieving a sustainable HIV response.
“Together, we will sustain the HIV response, overcome disruptions, and build a future where every person can live with health, dignity, and hope,” she said.
Activities marking the day included the presentation of special awards to Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, and Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman and Founder of Air Peace, in recognition of their contributions to health and community development.
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