The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, says the U.S. government has invested over $7.8 billion in Nigeria through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to ensure that all Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS have comprehensive access to quality HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.
Leonard said this while speaking at the commemoration of the 2022 World AIDS Day held in Lagos on Thursday.
She stated that the investment translated into over 1.9 million Nigerians accessing Antiretroviral Treatment (ART), adding that the U.S. government’s theme for World AIDS Day this year was ‘Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV’.
Leonard said: “Today, Nigeria is on the cusp of HIV epidemic control and is approaching the global 95-95-95 goals, which means that 95 percent of people with HIV know their HIV status, 95 percent of those with diagnosed HIV infection are accessing ART, and 95 percent of those receiving ART have achieved an undetectable viral load.
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“When I reflect upon how this theme applies to Nigeria, I believe the over 1.9 million lives saved today is a tangible reminder of our enduring commitment to reach disproportionately affected, and often marginalised, communities.”
The US ambassador noted that Nigeria’s ability to reach and sustain HIV epidemic control will be compromised if “we remain silent to the real issues faced not only by key populations, but also adolescent girls, young people, and communities that are isolated from quality health care services due to geography or insecurity.”
Leonard, however, commended the Federal Government of Nigeria, especially Lagos State officials present at the event for their steadfast leadership and “our implementing partners who continue to innovate and apply new scientific advances.”
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