FCT Places 61,384 People on HIV/AIDS Treatment

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has successfully placed 61,384 individuals living with HIV/AIDS on treatment, according to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration. The announcement was made during a press conference to mark the 2024 World AIDS Day in Abuja.

Dr. Fasawe highlighted the theme for this year’s observance, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children,” emphasizing the importance of tackling pediatric HIV and ensuring the rights of all individuals affected by the disease. World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, serves as a day to unite efforts, raise awareness, provide support to those living with HIV/AIDS, and honor those lost to the virus.

Represented by Dr. Olubenga Bello, Director-General of the Hospital Management Board, Fasawe revealed that the 61,384 individuals receiving treatment is 223% of the projected number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the FCT. This figure also includes individuals who have migrated from neighboring states. Of the total, 1,048 are children—representing 3.8%—who are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

The FCT, with an estimated population of 6.95 million, has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4%, slightly above the national average of 1.3%. To address the growing need for HIV services, the FCTA has expanded its HIV services network, with 122 service delivery points providing antiretrovirals across the six Area Councils of the FCT. In addition, 285 conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites offer decentralized, community-based care to reach even the most remote populations.

Fasawe explained that the FCT’s decentralized service model ensures that individuals have access to high-quality care close to home, with special efforts to address pediatric HIV through initiatives like mentor mothers who assist pregnant women in navigating care pathways. Traditional birth attendants have also been trained on the importance of facility births, early infant diagnosis, and HIV prevention.

In addition to expanding access to antiretroviral therapy, the FCT has increased its focus on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention to ensure that individuals at risk remain HIV-free. Fasawe credited these successes to the collaborative efforts of various partners, including the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, and implementing organizations like the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and YouthRISE.

Fasawe also stressed the importance of continued efforts to combat HIV-related stigma and discrimination, which remain significant barriers to care. The FCTA remains committed to reaching vulnerable populations and ensuring that everyone living with HIV in the FCT receives the care, dignity, and support they need.

To conclude the World AIDS Day observance, activities will wrap up on Tuesday with a road walk from Government Secondary School in Garki to the Old Parade Ground in Garki Area 10.