The Federal Government has introduced a nationwide initiative offering Free Tests for liver and kidney function to people living with HIV/AIDS, using the country’s expanded health insurance platform to support long-term health and early detection of complications.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced the initiative during the 2025 World AIDS Day event in Abuja, organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and development partners. He described the provision of Free Tests as a major step toward strengthening quality HIV care across the country.
According to him, the government is prioritising integrated health services to simplify access for children, adolescents, and adults.
“We are moving toward full integration of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition, and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) as one-stop services for children, adolescents, and adults,” he explained.
Salako also revealed that the 66th National Council of Health approved the reduction of the age of consent for voluntary HIV counselling and testing from 18 to 14, aiming to boost adolescent testing rates. He added that the national clinical mentorship programme was endorsed, with states encouraged to embed mentorship in annual health budgets to curb treatment interruption and improve care retention.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of NACA, said Nigeria remained on track to meet the global 2030 HIV elimination targets despite recent global disruptions.
“We have achieved an impressive 87–98–95 performance: 87 per cent know their status, 98 per cent of those are on treatment, and 95 per cent on treatment have viral suppression,” Ilori confirmed.
She noted a 46 per cent reduction in new infections, with more patients now enrolled and retained in care. Similarly, Abdulkadiri Ibrahim, President of NEPWHAN, called for increased domestic financing, stronger community involvement, and broader access to viral load testing to strengthen patient outcomes.
Ibrahim stressed that adherence support, psychosocial care, follow-up for missed appointments, and retention initiatives are vital to improving prevention of mother-to-child transmission and closing remaining treatment gaps.
Mrs. Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of ASWHAN, expressed concern that children were still being born with HIV, urging broader access to testing and treatment for pregnant women.
Representatives from the UN and the Global Fund – Elsie Attafuah and Ayo Ipinmoye, reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s HIV response, highlighting the importance of resilient health systems and equitable service delivery.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, pledged continued investments to strengthen HIV testing, treatment, and preventive services nationwide.
Attafuah emphasised sustainable financing and community empowerment, stating:
“Together, we will sustain the HIV response, overcome disruptions, and build a future where every person can live with health, dignity, and hope.”
Activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day event also featured awards to Odunayo Sanya of MTN Foundation and Dr. Allen Onyema of Air Peace for their contributions to public health and community development.
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