[ad_1]
President Muhammadu Buhari unveiled Thursday the survey on the impact and indicator of HIV / AIDS in Nigeria (NAIIS) of 2018 and noted with pleasure that fewer Nigerians were living with the HIV virus through report to the 2014 survey.
The president, who spoke at the NAIIS unveiling in Abuja, said, however, "We can not celebrate yet, because nearly one million Nigerians living with HIV are currently not on treatment."
NAIIS, inaugurated in June 2018 by Buhari, was a national household survey that badessed the prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its health indicators.
NAIIS data collection was conducted from July to December 2018.
According to Buhari, the official HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 in Nigeria is now 1.4% compared to 3.2% in 2014, while 1.9 million (against 3 million in 2014) are now HIV-positive . about one million people in treatment.
The Chair noted that the availability of accurate and reliable HIV data in the country was crucial for planning an effective health response to halt the HIV epidemic and rid the country of this threat. for health.
He pointed out that NAIIS was part of the federal government's desire to ensure durable solutions to the country's development problems.
He also observed that the survey and its results were timely, with the government having begun full implementation of the National Health Law which would guarantee every Nigerian access to health services. complete.
Buhari revealed that the survey was designed to provide the data needed for proper planning and consolidation of progress made in eliminating HIV in Nigeria.
"We have already taken a long time in this regard, as the federal government has ensured that the HIV treatment program in Taraba and Abia is properly funded this year and that measures are being taken to fund the program. Future expansion of resources in the coming years, "he said.
He therefore noted that the survey provided the government with crucial information needed to enable the national HIV response to move forward and plan for a more sustainable and accountable program based on credible scientific data.
Buhari has welcomed the Nigerian private sector decision to establish a national HIV trust fund in the coming months to support the country's goal of ensuring that all Nigerians have access to HIV. high quality HIV treatment and prevention services.
"I am pleased that these more accurate figures indicate that fewer Nigerians are affected by HIV.
"However, we can not yet rejoice, nearly one million Nigerians living with HIV are currently not on treatment.
"Now that we have data that will help us target our impact, I urge all not to slow down in this fight, but to reinforce the momentum of a concerted effort to end the fight." epidemic before 2030.
"I also welcome the decision of the Nigerian private sector to establish a National HIV Trust Fund in the coming months to support our goal of ensuring that all Nigerians have access to treatment and treatment services. prevention of high-quality HIV, "he said.
Buhari, however, stressed the need for a coordinated and funded national response to achieve control of the epidemic and end AIDS in Nigeria.
He said the federal government is determined to gradually add 50,000 Nigerians to the treatment of the virus each year, using its resources.
"As we celebrate this important day in the country's fight against HIV, I would like to reiterate the commitment I made at the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 to add progressively 50,000 Nigerians under treatment each year, using government resources.
"Now that we have data that will help us target our impact, I urge all not to slow down in this fight, but to reinforce the momentum of a concerted effort to end the fight." epidemic before 2030.
"I also welcome the decision by the Nigerian private sector to establish a National HIV Trust Fund in the coming months to support our goal of ensuring that all Nigerians have access to HIV / AIDS services. high quality HIV treatment and prevention. "
He asked NACA and the Federal Ministry of Health to conduct extensive consultations and build consensus with key sectoral ministries, the legislature, governors of high-prevalence states, development partners and civil society. to chart a new strategic path, based on the results of the survey. .
"To guide this process, we are releasing today a document entitled" Revised National Strategic Framework on HIV / AIDS ", he said.
Buhari expressed optimism that the end of AIDS "as a threat to public health by 2030 is really in sight for our country.
"Let us work together and aim for the last mile."
Dr. Sani Aliyu, Director General of NACA, revealed that the survey was the largest specific survey in the world and that it had been conducted in record time of nine months.
He revealed that Nigeria had moved from second to fourth place among countries with the highest HIV prevalence in the world.
According to him, Nigeria is behind South Africa, Mozambique and India.
Aliyu thanked the president, development partners and other stakeholders for their support in the success of the survey.
The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, also noted that the survey was conducted through a partnership with key stakeholders.
In a message of goodwill, UNAID Executive Director, Mr Michael Sidibea, welcomed the political will shown by Nigeria to conduct the investigation. (NOPE)
Source link
