Nigerian government moves to end HIV/AIDS by 2030

The federal government has vowed to work assiduously to end the
HIV/AIDs epidemic by 2030.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made this pledge on Thursday during the
commemoration of this year's World AIDS Day at the State House in
Abuja.

Osinbajo, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of
the Federation, Boss Mustapha, stated that in spite of the gains
achieved so far, concerted effort would be required to achieve end to
the pandemic within the targeted time frame.

The vice president said that it was in this regard that the country
embarked on the National AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), in
all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The survey was flagged-off by President Muhammadu Buhari in June this year.

The vice president said the government is also committed to increasing
funding for HIV response and ensuring universal access to HIV
prevention, treatment and care services.

He added that for the first time government has included treatment of
people living with HIV on its programme in Taraba and Abia states in
the 2019 budget.

Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole enjoined Nigerians to go for
HIV testing, saying it is estimated that only 38% of Nigerians know
their status.

Director General of NACA, Dr Sani Aliyu said the agency had
prioritized local manufacture of HIV medicines and other relevant
commodities as part of the long-term sustainability agenda for the
national response.