HIV No Longer a Death Sentence in Nigeria, Experts Say

During an event in Abuja marking the 25th anniversary of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Prof. Prosper Okonkwo, Chief Executive Officer, stated that HIV is no longer a death sentence in Nigeria. He noted that advancements in science and access to treatment have transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition.

Okonkwo recounted the dire situation in the early 2000s when there were no antiretroviral drugs available, and many lived in fear of stigma. Today, individuals living with HIV can achieve full viral suppression and lead healthy lives.

APIN's Director of Strategy, Uch Okezi, addressed challenges with global funding for antiretroviral treatment, while Dr. Mikhail Obaj reported that 83,289 pregnant women tested positive for HIV in five states, with significant gains in preventing mother-to-child transmission. Data showed that 60,704 HIV-positive pregnant women initiated treatment, and 22,585 children received antiretroviral therapy.