The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has urged people living with HIV to strictly adhere to their prescribed medications to maintain their health and help eliminate AIDS in their communities.

Chief Executive Officer of IHVN, Dr Patrick Dakum, who made the call in Abuja, said that comprehensive HIV services, including testing, treatment, laboratory diagnosis, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, are available free of charge in several public and private health facilities across the country.

He emphasised that consistent use of antiretroviral drugs remains the most effective way for people living with HIV to live healthy, productive lives.

Dakum noted that free HIV services are currently provided in more than 380 health facilities supported by IHVN across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Rivers States.

These services, he said, include free HIV testing, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for adults and children, free laboratory diagnosis and monitoring, and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services for pregnant women.

“Over 238,000 individuals are currently receiving antiretroviral treatment in IHVN-supported health facilities, and at no time were these life-saving services disrupted,” Dakum stated.

He explained that IHVN, supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continues to collaborate with the Nigerian government to sustain access to essential HIV services.

Dakum also highlighted that comprehensive HIV prevention services are available nationwide, including free Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-negative pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

On expanding HIV care and community empowerment, the IHVN boss said the institute has strengthened the prevention of mother-to-child transmission through partnerships with faith-based organisations and community leaders.

He cited initiatives such as Group Mothers’ Love Gatherings, which offer medical services and psychosocial support to pregnant and nursing mothers, and Peer Mentor Mother Programmes, which empower women living with HIV to support and guide one another.

Dakum added that these community-based programmes have helped reach caregivers and vulnerable groups, including children, adolescents, and young adults, with a comprehensive package of care that improves treatment adherence, nutrition, and overall quality of life.

According to him, the Federal Government is making significant progress in domesticating HIV programmes, evidenced by the inclusion of people living with HIV in national health insurance, local production of HIV test kits, and the soon-to-be introduced HIV preventive injectable, Lenacapavir.

He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among government, civil society organisations, people living with HIV, and the media to consolidate gains in HIV control. “By working together, stakeholders can achieve a healthier future and accelerate efforts to control the HIV epidemic in Nigeria,” he said.