September 19, 2024

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Health , Metro

FCTA provides free medical services to 3,370 residents

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Friday, provided free medical services to 3,370 residents of Abuja.

The services, provided under the FCTA’s “Renewed Hope Medical Mission” included health promotion, antenatal care (ANC), immunisation, HIV and diabetes screening and dental care.

Other services are hypertension screening and management, sickle cell disease and nutritional assessment, amongst others.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, during the commencement of the medical outreach in Bwari Area Council, reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to meeting the health needs of the people.

Mahmoud noted that Nigeria was one of the African nations with high maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

She attributed the development to poor ANC attendance, low facility-based delivery, and low uptake of immunisation and family planning services, especially in hard-to-reach communities.

She also argued that rapid population growth in the FCT has increased demand for health services.

To address some of the challenges, the minister said that the FCT Administration had taken steps to improve primary health care system in the territory.

She particularly said that the administration was currently renovating, upgrading and building more primary health centres across the six area councils of  FCT, including employment of more healthcare workers.

FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud (5th from left); Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe (6th) and other dignitaries during the FCT Administration’s free medical outreach in Bwari on Friday.

Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, noted that despite improving access to quality healthcare services in FCT, many communities remained underserved.

Fasawe said that the free medical outreach was part of global best practices being used to provide targeted medical and surgical care to meet the health needs of the underserved and vulnerable populations.

“This strategy has been successfully adopted in many parts of Nigeria. It takes healthcare services directly to those who need it most, through mobile health service delivery,” she said.

The mandate secretary explained that the medical outreach was expanded to cover more communities following the successes recorded in a similar exercise held in Kuje Area Council.

She said: “We attended to 1,578 general outpatients, with 42 referred to Wuse and Asokoro Hospitals for surgery.

“Dental services were provided to 302 patients, including 45 extractions, 12 dentures, and five operculectomia, with 48 referrals to Wuse Hospital.

“For eye care, we saw 931 patients, provided reading glasses to 531 patients, and made 91 referrals to Asokoro Hospital, where 29 cataract extractions have been completed.

“Antenatal care was also provided to 74 women, with 49 enrolled in health insurance.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

HIV: FG tasks committee to scale-up paediatric care

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government has tasked the committee on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan to scale-up interventions to eliminate HIV transmission in Nigeria.

Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, expressed concern that Nigeria contributes 25 per cent global burden of HIV transmission between mother-to-children.

He added that current PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remained critically low at less than 35 per cent.

This, he said, was far below the 95 per cent target.

He said: “I will work closely with the committee to review implementation and track data regularly.

“We will also ensure that we reverse the negative narrative of our contribution to the global burden of mother-to-children child transmission of HIV.

“This will ensure that no child is born HIV positive and that those who are positive receive quality care.

“We will also unlock value chains by collaborating with those willing to commence domestic production of HIV commodities, ensuring health security for our children.”

Earlier, Temitope Ilori, Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA),  said the country’s incidence prevalenc necessitated the inauguration of the committee.

“Our epidemiological estimates say 140,000 children under 14 are living with HIV as of 2023, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths in children.

“Current PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remain alarmingly low at less than 33 per cent far short of the 95 per cent target, ” she said.

According to Ilori, the committee will provide oversight to the PMTCT and Paediatric HIV programme implementation towards ending HIV and AIDS among our children.

Also, Olu Folake-Abdlrasaq, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum and wife of Kwara state gvernor, commended  the federal government’s efforts and emphasised the role of sub-national initiatives.

She revealed plans to enroll women living with HIV in the state’s health insurance programme, expanding on her earlier initiative that included sickle cell patients.

Also, Funmi Adesanya, Country Coordinator, United States Government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), said the U.S. has invested 8.3 billion dollars over the past 21 years, to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030 in Nigeria.

“We commend the leadership of the Government of Nigeria for your vision and for convening us to address this urgent issue because it is an emergency.

“No child in Nigeria should be born with HIV and the U.S. government is committed to our partnership to ensure that this is a reality,” she said.

Leo Zekeng, the Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in Nigeria, stated that funding the efforts against the scourge was not a challenge, as resources were available through 2026.

Zekeng assured the support of UN agencies in Nigeria to the initiative while urging other stakeholders to recommit to the cause and fully support the initiative.

On his part, Oyebanji Fulani, Chairman, Commissioners of Health Forum, while stressing the need for resources, assured that governments at the state level would do their part to ensure the success of the initiative.

NAN reports that the committee is expected to focus on early testing; optimise treatment and care for infants, children, and adolescents living with HIV.

It is also expected to close treatment gaps for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and address social and structural barriers that hinder access to services. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Health

2024 World Hypertension Day: NGO raises awareness on HIV-hypertension link

By Abujah Racheal

APIN Public Health Initiatives, an NGO, says there is need to create awareness on the link between HIV and hypertension.

Dr Abiodun Isah, Technical Officer, Clinical Services, APIN, spoke with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja in commemoration of the World 2024 World Hypertension Day.

Isah highlighted the increased risk of non-communicable disease complications associated with HIV.

He said there was need to integrate HIV and non-communicable disease services to improve care for those living with HIV.

According to him, early detection and proactive management will mitigate the adverse health outcomes of hypertension and HIV/AIDS.

“Regular blood pressure monitoring is a critical component of HIV management because of the impact of factors like diet and lifestyle on blood pressure levels.’’

Isah said that as Nigeria battled with the dual burden of HIV/AIDS and hypertension, the integration of care for both conditions emerged as a pressing need.

He highlighted the importance of expanding access to healthcare services for the effective management of chronic diseases, acknowledging the limitations of a healthcare system primarily structured for acute infections.

“With a significant number of people living with HIV in APIN’s care experiencing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) such as hypertension, diabetes, renal diseases, cervical cancer, and mental health issues, we are  strengthening the HIV-NCD service integration programme.

“Currently supporting 308,497 active people living with HIV across 423 health facilities in Nigeria, APIN aims to address the interconnected health challenges faced by this population.’’

Isah said the impact of HIV infection on the cardiovascular system underscored its potential to heighten susceptibility to hypertension-induced end-organ damage, including cerebrovascular accidents (stroke), nephropathy (kidney damage) and myocardial infarction.

He said there was significant risk factor associated with hypertension among people living with HIV and how it could contribute to challenges in HIV drug therapy, adherence, morbidity and mortality.

“Despite advancements in HIV treatment, disparities persist in monitoring and managing cardiovascular risk factors among individuals with HIV.

“Challenges to adequate care include fragmented healthcare systems, limited awareness of cardiovascular risks, and prevailing socio-economic factors.’’

He said that APIN was committed to continuously monitoring and evaluating the integration of HIV and NCD services to ensure the delivery of high-quality care.

“As APIN expands its HIV-NCD integration programme across supported health facilities and states in Nigeria, individuals living with HIV can expect improved access to comprehensive care that prioritises their overall well-being.

“This initiative demonstrates APIN’s dedication to promoting health equity and enhancing the quality of life for people living with HIV in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 annually.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!’’(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Participants at a High-Level Dissemination Meeting on the Short and Intermediate-Term Outcomes of FLHE Implementation in Lagos State on Tuesday.
Health

Family life, HIV education transformed students, says Lagos govt.

By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Lagos State Government says integrating Family Life and HIV Education (FLHE) into the state’s education curriculum has transformed the lives of the students.

The state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said this during a High-Level Dissemination Meeting on the Short and Intermediate-Term Outcomes of FLHE Implementation in Lagos State on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and Action Health Incorporated (AHI).

Alli-Balogun said that FLHE had empowered students with knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health issues.

According to him, Lagos localised the national curriculum and adopted FLHE into its scheme of work in Basic Science, Social Studies and Civic Education, among other subjects for easy dissemination to students.

“Our commitment to the well-being and holistic development of students extends beyond the walls of the classroom to encompass the fundamental values of knowledge, compassion, and resilience,” he said.

Alli-Balogun, represented by Mrs Omolayo Akinlade, Director, Education Resource Centre, acknowledged the ongoing challenges and complexity inherent in addressing HIV/AIDS and promoting family life education.

He, however, said that the state remains steadfast in its commitment to providing comprehensive and age appropriate education to all students, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Also, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of Office, UNESCO Nigeria, said that FLHE was approved by the National Council on Education (NCE) in 2004.

Diallo said that trained teachers had been mainstreaming content of the curriculum into career subjects with the support of implementing partners since it was approved.

“We have provided support recently to the Lagos State Ministry of Education through our o3 project over the years.

“The support included capacity building for teachers, data managers, parents, Civil Society Organisations and teachers training institutions,” he said.

He said that globally, measurement frameworks for Education for Health and Wellbeing (FLHE in Nigeria) tend to have a continued focus on sexual, behavioural and population-level health outcomes.

“For example, rates of unintended pregnancies, HIV or STI incidence, school dropout or continuation, and child marriage.

“There is a growing sense that this narrow focus fails to provide evidence for the broader potential of Education for Health and Wellbeing.

“Like how, or to what extent, national programmes influence outcomes related to learners’ social and emotional life skills, or knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and values around gender, and healthy or equitable interpersonal relationships, human rights, or healthy sexuality,” he said.

Diallo said to address these evidence gaps and gain a more holistic understanding of the impact of Education for Health and Wellbeing (EHW), UNESCO in 2022, inaugurated The Torchlight Collective.

The project was to conduct a mixed methods study on short and intermediate term outcomes of national programmes in six countries – Argentina (Buenos Aires), Armenia, Jamaica, Laos, Namibia and Nigeria (Lagos).

Diallo said that Lagos being a role-model to other states was used for the pilot study as it shows the best case scenario for Nigeria.

He commended Lagos state for hosting and supporting the conduct of the study in her schools.

According to him, the project centres on education for life skills, family life, health, sexuality and relationships.

“Specifically, the study focused on outcomes related to healthy relationships between adolescents and parents, peers and romantic partners.

“In addition, the study also set out to capture the factors that may contribute to an enabling environment for high-quality EHW,” he said.

He noted that dissemination of the findings of the study was to get input from local stakeholders as well as engender the required ownership of the report and consequent address of recommendations of the report.

“This will also inform action to strengthen the FLHE in Nigeria,” he said.

Also, Mrs Adenike Essiet, Co-founder, AHI, said that for over 35 years, AHI had been committed to promote the health, and well-being of young people, especially catalysing opportunities for their access to FLHE.

Essiet said that as implementing partner for UNESCO’s FLHE programme in Lagos, it partnered with Education District IV to carry out the study in schools in the district.

She noted that insights and lessons from the study would help learn on things to do, implementation fast tracked, and improved solutions for young people in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

HIV Logo
General News

Man gets life imprisonment for defilement, infecting wife’s niece with HIV

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

An Ikeja High Court has sentenced one Richard Saviour to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his wife’s niece and infecting her with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The victim (name withheld) was aged 14.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the trial the State Counsel, Mr Ola Azeez, called three witnesses to prove the prosecution’s case while the convict testified in his own defence.

Delivering judgment on the case on Tuesday, Justice Oyindamola Ogala held that the evidences provided by all the prosecution witnesses were corroborated and considered as the truth.

Ogala said that the evidences of the victim were corroborated by the Investigating Police Officer (PW1) and Social Worker from the state Ministry of Youth and Social Welfare (PW3).

According to her, these established the offence of defilement against the convict.

She said: “The testimony before the court clearly depicts the ‘evil’ perpetrated on this young girl and how she was abused both mentally and physically by the defendant and his wife for years.

“Revealing how she indeed ‘cried out’ for help and was betrayed by those who were supposed to help and support her.

“It is imperative to state at this juncture that the actions of the principal of PW2’s school and the social worker (PW3) are commendable as same eventually brought some succor and relief to PW2, who unfortunately has been permanently ‘scared’.

“Having carefully considered the entirety of facts before the court, it finds that in this instance, the prosecution has satisfactorily proved the one count information the defendant stands faced with.”

Ogala said that the mien of the defendant was desperate to distant himself from the allegation by denying the offences.

She said that again, PW2 succinctly narrated what she stated had transpired between herself and the defendant which the defendant denied.

“The defendant in his evidence before the court indeed narrated how PW2 (the survivor) had at one instance, after running from home to avoid a beating from his wife, ran to the station and he was subsequently informed that PW2 accused him of molesting her.

“The court finds that the totality of the testimony of the defendant who testified in his defence calling no additional witness is in essence a denial of the allegation without more.

“He offered no reliable explanations to the charge aside attempts to depict PW2 as a stubborn girl and one who stole from himself and his wife,” she added.

The judge said that when the police took the victim to the Mirrabel Centre, she was tested and found to be HIV positive.

Thereafter, she was transferred to Mary’s Home Orphanage and looked after with the help of Positive Action for Treatment Access, a Non Governmental Organisation.

According to the judge, the Mirabel Centre record of PW2’s genital findings are that her hymen was absent with slight whitish vaginal discharge and concluded that the finding is consistent with repeated vaginal penetration which lends credence to the facts stated by PW2.

The judge, hence, convicted the defendant on the charge of defilement by unlawful sexual assault and sentenced him to life imprisonment in the Correctional centre. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Bayo Sekoni

Health

Stakeholders advocate strengthened policies protecting young people living with HIV

By Justina Auta

Stakeholders have called for strengthening of legal framework and policies to protect young people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) access employment opportunities in the country.

They made the call at the youth pre-conference session, organised by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and Youth Network on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NYNETHA) of the ongoing Civil Society Accountability Forum.

Mr Steve Aborisade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF, noted the challenges young people living with HIV face in accessing employment, despite their competencies and skills.

Aborisade said the meeting would enable stakeholders review the effectiveness of existing legal and policy frameworks that guarantees Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV (AYPLHIV) have access to gainful employment.

“We will strategise on enhancing structures and policies that will promote non-discrimination and equitable access to the labour market for young people, especially those living with HIV.

“To identify key barriers related to AYPLHIV employment and promote the establishment of economic empowerment and vocational skills development initiatives that are responsive to the needs of young people.

“To promote affirmative action on AYPLHIV employment from key players in the Nigerian HIV/AIDS corridor.

“And understand their expectations from employers and engage status of enforcement of HIV/AIDS workplace policy,” he said.

Dr Yinka Falola, the Acting Director Policy Planning and Coordination Department, National Agency for the Control of AIDs (NACA), said 300 cases of discrimination against persons with HIV were recently reported.

Falola, however, mentioned that 80 per cent of the reported cases had been resolved.

“It is a work in progress to ensure we bring and remove all barriers affecting job opportunities for persons with HIV.

“We urge you to look into the opportunity of been employers of labour.

“Know your rights and where to run to, when your rights are trampled upon,” she said.

Dr Runo Onosode, the HIV Technical Expert and OSH Coordinator, ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra-Leone, encouraged them to key into digital transformation in line with global trends.

Onosode said that, such skills would enable them get very good opportunities to thrive.

“I urge youths to harness digital economy with all the services Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides in terms of career development and opportunities,” she said.

Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDs in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), stressed the need for legal protection to curb the trend of stigma and discrimination against persons with HIV in the workforce.

“We have a lot of people that are competent and very good, but because of their status, they are denied jobs,” he said.

Ibrahim also encouraged persons with HIV to explore other means of job opportunities, rather than wait for white collar jobs.

“We will continue to engage and partner with all stakeholders to ensure the rights of young people with HIV are protected.

“I also encourage them to acquire skills to enable them to be self-reliant, rather than wait for white collar jobs,” he said.

Mr Gabriel Undelikwo, the Country Community Mobilisation and Network Adviser, UNAIDS, emphasised on the need to eliminate self stigmatisation.

“Eliminate all forms of self-stigmatisation so that you will not be limited by your HIV status to actualise your dreams and visions.”

Mr Opeyemi Yekini, Senior Programme and Evaluation Officer represented, Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCCA), advised persons with HIV to report any incidences of discrimination and stigmatisation in workforce. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

HIV Logo
Health

Group sets up digital HIV situation room in Ebonyi

 

By Christian Ogbonna

 

The Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), a non-governmental organisation, has inaugurated a digital Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) situation room in Ebonyi as part of its support toward curbing the disease in the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the situation room was set up in collaboration with the Global Fund National Aligned HIV/AIDS Initiative Project and Fhi360.

 

In a speech at the event in Abakiliki on Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer of ECEWS, Mr Andy Eyo, said that the project would help to create an easy channel for data and information gathering towards tackling HIV pandemic.

 

Eyo, represented by Dr Okezie Onyedinachi, Head of Clinical Service of the ECEWS, said the scheme was committed to promoting access to quality healthcare, education and economic strengthening opportunities for all Nigerians.

 

He expressed gratitude to the government of Ebonyi for creating an enabling environment for the project in the state.

 

Dr Abimbola Oduola, Technical Advisor II, Strategic Information and Monitoring and Evaluation, Fhi360 Regional Office, also thanked the Ebonyi government for accepting the project in order to curb the HIV disease.

 

Oduola, represented by Chris Amalu, Senior Technical Officer, Total Quality Leadership and Accountability, said the situation room would help programme staff meeting with local leaders and stakeholders frequently.

 

“This will help the staff to always visualise and examine granular site level data, identify gaps, brainstorm on solutions, identify areas of greatest need or collaboration for domestic resourcing.

 

“It will also adopt adaptive management decisions to improve programme results and foster an environment of mutual accountability.

 

“Following situation room meetings, key decisions are communicated to the appropriate operational units and frontline workers in a timely manner,” Oduola.

 

He further said that the project is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and wellbeing, reduced inequality and partnerships for the goals.

 

The Programme and Technical Lead, ECEWS, Global Fund National Aligned, Dr Onyekachi Osabiku, said the situation room was connected to some health facilities across communities in Ebonyi.

 

Osabiku said that the facility was to strengthen and improve partnership with Ebonyi Ministry of Health towards participation on data-driven analysis.

 

He said that HIV prevalence in the state currently stands at 0.8 per cent.

 

 

“Of 15,913 persons expected to be on treatment, 14,155 are being treated in the state.

 

“We have above 95 per cent on treatment.

 

“We are on course on ending the HIV scourge in Ebonyi,” Osabiku further said.

 

Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, pledged to support the facility to achieve it’s aptimal goals for the people.

 

“Gov. Francis Nwifuru has made the health sector one of his top priorities in the development of the state.

 

“I urge the staff in the ministry to make good use of the facility and I believe the project will make significant impact in the fight against HIV, especially in the rural communities.

 

“Data is very necessary for planning and implementation.

 

“The situation room in the state is a welcome development,” Ekuma said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

 

Edited by Sam Oditah

Health

UNFPA trains CSOs on improving life skills of Lagos youths

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Lagos, July 25, 2023 (NAN) The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has trained Community Society Organisations (CSOs) on comprehensive life skill education to reduce misinformation and increase young people’s skills in taking informed decisions related to their health.

Dr Esther Somefun, Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA, said this during a two-day training for CSOs on comprehensive life skill education for out-of-school youths on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

Somefun said that research had shown that many out-of-school youths lack required knowledge to make accurate decisions, leaving them vulnerable to coercion, sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

“We know that young people form a critical segment of the population.

“Lagos with a population of over 23 million people has a huge youth-based population.

“Many of these youths are out-of-school, and have needs that are to be met.

“UNFPA understands that there are communities that can meet such needs, hence the need for us to look for youth-led CSOs who interact with out-of-school youths and build their capacity on comprehensive life skill education.

“These CSOs ensure that young people are provided with accurate information from their transition from childhood to adolescents and youths,” she said.

She noted that the aim of the training was to build an inclusive society and assist the youth make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

According to her, 10 CSOs from 10 local government areas of the state participated in the training and would transfer the knowledge to the targeted youths in their respective communities.

 

Somefun said that UNFPA works with governments and CSOs to implement life skill training, both in schools and outside of schools through community-based training and outreach.

Similarly, Mrs Rasheedat Umar, Assistant Director, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, said that the ministry partnered with UNFPA to disseminate life skills training to out-of-school youths.

She said that the state conducts the training in vocational and technical centres across the state.

Umar said that the students interact with those outside the centres, noting that extending the training was critical to filter and provide them with accurate information.

Also, Adebimpe Adebara from the Peace of Heart Foundation, commended UNFPA for the training, noting that it would boost the sexual and reproductive health of youths in Mushin Local Government Area.

Similarly, Benjamin Odey, from the Association of Positive Youths, said the training had enhanced his knowledge on consent, HIV issues and counselling.

The Convener, Speaking Fingers Network,  Ms Treasure Uchegbu, commended UNFPA, saying it would create a more inclusive society and assist to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Health

CSOs urges open license for generic production of HIV, Hepatitis drugs

By Justina Auta

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged Gilead to open license for generic production of HIV and Hepatitis C drugs to allow developing countries access to lifesaving drugs.

The CSOs made the call during an advocacy meeting organised by AIDS HealthCare Foundation (AHF), on Friday in Abuja, with the theme: “30 days, 30 countries Gilead Advocacy”.

The CSOs said that Gilead, a pharmaceutical company based in the United States, had consistently blocked attempts to introduce cheaper generic versions of its medicines, thereby exploiting humanity.

Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the National Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN), said the advocacy, in partnership with AHF, was aimed at calling out Gilead on wrong practices.

Ibrahim, who was represented by Mr Micheal Edoh, the Advocacy Specialist, NEPWAN, said the continuous profiteering by Gilead at the expense of lives was not ideal.

“We understand that you have patent rights which has lasted over 20 years, as you renew, do it in an ideal way and if you are not innovative, make it generic.

“The world would be a better place if these drugs can reach every corner, being accessible and affordable everywhere,” he said.

He said they would continue to advocate at various spaces; different platforms; and engage various relevant stakeholders locally and at the global level.

“We will continue to call out Gilead and big pharmaceutical companies to stop evergreen and patent extension as it takes advantage of the vulnerable communities,” he said.

Ms Amber Erinunwinhe, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Network of Religious Leaders Living with HIV/AIDS (NINERELA), said the group was standing strong on the advocacy.

According to her, Gilead is out there making money from our communities and I often say you cannot make money out of people when they are dead.

“As CSOs, we are lending our voices and saying Pharma greed must stop, we are saying stop evergreening patent and open license for generic production to reduce the cost of medications,” she said.

Mr Kareem Adebola, the National Deputy Coordinator, Association of Positive Youths Living with HIV in Nigeria (APYIN), said the advocacy was timely.

Adebola said that the mission of Gilead was to transform the lives of people living with life threatening diseases.

He further applauded AHF for taking the lead in the advocacy by ensuring millions of people, especially community of persons living with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, have access to lifesaving medication.

Dr Echey Ijezie, the Country Programme Director, AHF Nigeria, said Gilead was listed among the top 15 largest biopharmaceutical firms in the world, one of which puts profit before lives.

Ijezie said the company generated billions of dollars in profit by maintaining a monopoly on some of the most effective and well-tolerated antiretroviral drugs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders at the event also included Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASWHAN) and STOP TB Partnership Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

FG restates commitment to ending HIV scourge

By Ikenna Osuoha

The Federal Government on Monday in Abuja restated its commitment to end the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) scourge in the country.

Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), made the government’s position known at the 14th anniversary celebration of the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA).

HIV causes AIDS and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections.

The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. Within a few weeks of HIV infection, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and fatigue can occur, a condition that is usually asymptomatic until it progresses to AIDS.

The symptoms of AIDS include weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue and recurrent infections.

No cure exists for AIDS yet, but strict adherence to Anti-Retroviral (ARV) regimens can dramatically slow the
progress and prevent secondary infections and complications

The SGF, therefore, congratulated NACA “on 14 years of impactful response to the scourge” and assured the agency
of continued support.

Mustapha said that government’s domestic funding of the treatment of 50,000 people living with HIV yearly was in line with the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to stem the scourge.

He added that “through the visionary efforts of government, millions of people living with HIV have access to Anti Retroviral (ARV) drugs.  50,000 people living with HIV are already placed on treatment by the Federal Government yearly.”

Earlier, the Director General of NACA, Dr Gambo Aliyu, had scored the agency high in its journey so far.

Aliyu, who spoke on “National HIV Response Stewardship, Past, Present and Future’’, said the agency was on track in pursuance of its mandate.

He noted that at the commencement of NACA in 2007, the country’s HIV prevalence rate was 4.6 per cent, with 2.9 million people living with the virus, 212,508 on treatment and 251 treatment sites.

The director general said that the prevalence rate was reduced from 4.6 per cent to 3.4 per cent in 10 years, and the progress made so far was clearly spelt out by the National HIV/AIDS Impact and Indicator Survey (NAIIS) in 2018, which estimated 1.3 per cent prevalence rate.

Dr Erasmus Morah, the Country Director, UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), described NACA at 14 as “one in its best period of life.”

Morah congratulated the agency and urged its leadership to remain focused; adding that its efforts in the fight against HIV made Nigeria to be at the phase of achieving UNAIDS vision 90-90-90.

Mr Dozie Ezechukwu, the Executive Director, Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), also commended NACA “for living to its responsibilities.”

Ezechukwu called for stronger synergy between NACA and partners in ending HIV in the country.

Formerly called National Action Committee on AIDS, NACA was established to coordinate the various activities of HIV/AIDS in the country

Among other purposes, the agency is also to coordinate and sustain advocacy by all sectors and at all levels for HIV/AIDS/STDs, Expanded Responses in Nigeria; develop framework for collaboration and support from stakeholders for a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary response to HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, as well as develop and present to the Presidential Council on AIDS (PCA), all plans on HIV/AIDS in the country for policy decisions. (NAN)

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