FCT ENROLLS 61,384 PEOPLE ON HIV/AIDS TREATMENT. (PHOTO).

 FCT Enrolls 61,384 People on HIV/AIDS Treatment

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has successfully enrolled 61,384 individuals living with HIV/AIDS on treatment, according to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration. She announced this at a press conference held on Monday in Abuja to mark World AIDS Day 2024.

Fasawe explained that this year's theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children,” calls for renewed efforts to tackle pediatric HIV and safeguard the rights of all affected by the disease. World AIDS Day, observed every December 1st, serves as a day of global solidarity to raise awareness, support those living with HIV/AIDS, and remember those lost to the disease.

The number of people on treatment, Fasawe noted, exceeds the projected target by 223%, and includes individuals migrating from neighboring states. Of the 61,384 individuals on treatment, 1,048 are children, representing 3.8% of the total, and are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

With an estimated population of 6.95 million, the FCT has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4%, slightly above the national average of 1.3%. Fasawe highlighted the FCTA's ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen HIV services in the region, including a network of 122 service delivery points across six Area Councils, with additional outreach through decentralized community-based care in remote areas.

To address pediatric HIV, the FCTA has introduced several initiatives, such as mentor mothers who support pregnant women and early infant diagnosis within 72 hours of birth. Furthermore, the FCTA has expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV in individuals without the virus.

Fasawe attributed these achievements to strong partnerships with organizations like the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, and implementing partners including the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and others. These partnerships have focused on key populations, including women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Despite the progress, Fasawe emphasized that much work remains to be done, particularly in addressing the high burden of pediatric HIV. The FCTA is committed to continuing efforts to reduce stigma, reach underserved populations, and ensure access to quality care for all those living with HIV. The commemoration will conclude with a road walk on Tuesday from Government Secondary School, Garki to Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki.