The Federal Government of Nigeria has rolled out free annual liver and kidney function tests for Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS under an expanded health insurance scheme— a major step aimed at boosting long-term health outcomes and strengthening quality care nationwide.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, during the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration in Abuja, hosted by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and partners.
A New Era of Integrated HIV Care
Dr Salako revealed that Nigeria is moving toward one-stop integrated services that combine HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition, and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) for children, adolescents, and adults.
He said the initiative will ensure early diagnosis, better treatment retention, and improved outcomes for the 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV.
A major policy shift was also announced:
the age of consent for voluntary HIV counselling and testing has been reduced from 18 to 14, approved during the 66th National Council on Health meeting. This aims to significantly boost HIV testing among adolescents.
To improve continuity of care, the NCH also endorsed a national clinical mentorship programme, which states are now expected to integrate into their annual health plans and budgets.
Nigeria Still on Track to End AIDS by 2030 — NACA
The Director General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, reassured Nigerians that despite global disruptions, the country remains on course to achieve the 2030 goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.
Ilori highlighted Nigeria’s strong performance on the HIV treatment cascade:
- 87% of people living with HIV know their status
- 98% of those diagnosed are on treatment
- 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression
She noted that the country recorded a 46% decline in new HIV infections, with more people enrolled and retained in care than ever before.
Communities Demand More Funding, Support
President of NEPWHAN, Abdulkadiri Ibrahim, called for stronger domestic funding and more community engagement. He stressed the need to expand access to viral load testing and strengthen adherence, psychosocial support, and follow-up for missed appointments.
These, he said, are critical for improving prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and closing gaps in overall HIV care.
Mrs Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of ASWHAN, warned that children were still being born with HIV. She urged the government and partners to expand testing and treatment access for pregnant women.
Global Partners Reaffirm Support
Acting UN Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, and Acting Chair of the Global Fund, Ayo Ipinmoye, pledged continued support for Nigeria’s HIV response—emphasising domestic financing, human rights protection, community empowerment, and stronger health systems.
“Together, we will sustain the HIV response, overcome disruptions, and build a future where every person can live with health, dignity, and hope,” Attafuah said.
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, also committed to promoting accessible primary healthcare services to ensure equitable HIV testing, treatment, and prevention across Nigeria.
Honouring Champions of Community Development
The event also featured awards presented to Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, and Dr Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, for their contributions to health and community development.
