The Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP) provided free HIV testing to more than half a million Nigerians and initiated life-long antiretroviral therapy for over 400 children and adults in its over 20 years of existence, the Director-General of the programme, Brig.-Gen. Idris Solebo, has said.
Solebo made the disclosure at a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the programme.
MODHIP which was set up in May 2005 is a product of the bilateral partnership between the Nigerian Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence (NMOD and USDoD) to curb rising HIV epidemic in Africa.
It began with four comprehensive treatment sites and expanded to more than 30 sites across the country, complemented by advanced research facilities, modern medical warehouses and defence reference laboratory
According to the Director-General, more than 60% of the beneficiaries are civilians, showing that the partnership contributes not only to mutual evidence but to Nigeria’s wider public health responses.
“These are not just statistics, but lives transformed through the dedication of our health workers, support of partners, and the trust of our soldiers and communities. Each number mentioned represents a soldier fit to serve, a parent raising a healthy child, and a community planning for the future.”
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who was the special guest at the occasion said the programme aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s human capital development in terms of national solution to the health sector and new investment Initiative.
The Minister also said that it aligned with the national vision to rethink the health of the nation’s soldiers and their families “as a core security priority, and ensuring that military health is fully integrated into Nigeria’s security and sector”.
Matawalle commended the United States of America, the U.S. Medical Research and Development Command, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Africa and Nigeria, and all partners whose collaboration has helped build one of the most respected military health platforms in the country.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said that the military was considering the possibility of establishing a Defence Medical School to address the challenge of getting adequate medical doctors to provide services to personnel and their families.
Musa said the armed forces shared the vision of constructing a resilient health system that supports both the military and national development, supported by the world-class laboratories, research centers, and training facilities throughout the country.
“As they say, health is wealth. This partnership, which has been established on the foundation of service and sacrifice, has emerged as a symbol of military-to-military collaboration that enhances public health, both within and beyond the military.
“This Programme has exhibited an extraordinary dedication to the protection of our nation’s military and their families, as well as the enhancement of health outcomes and preservation of lives.”
In his remarks at the occasion, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, Jr, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening military health collaboration with Nigeria, aimed at improving the lives of soldiers and civilians alike.
Mills said the collaboration has advanced HIV prevention and treatment, supported infectious disease surveillance, and fortified Nigeria’s role as a regional leader in public health security.
On her part, the Commanding General, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Maj.-Gen. Paula Lodi said the programme was created as part of the Defence Emergency Plan to safeguard the health of troops and civilians while strengthening national security.
