Nigeria Set To Produce HIV Vaccines, Test Kits

In a move to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans for domestic production of HIV commodities, including test kits and antiretroviral drugs, by 2025.

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)Ilori made the announcement in Ilorin on Friday, January 31st during the launch of the Kwara Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatrics ART Acceleration Committee.

She highlighted other government measures, such as enrolling individuals in the National Health Insurance Scheme, increasing resources to states, and supporting vaccine research.

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While acknowledging progress, Ilori noted that coverage of PMTCT and paediatric HIV services remains below 33%, far from the 95% target. UNAIDS 2023 reports show about 140,000 children aged 0-14 living with HIV in Nigeria, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths annually.

Ilori stressed the importance of targeted interventions and the need for all partners to support efforts to identify children of HIV-positive parents.

She also addressed concerns over the 90-day foreign aid suspension, affirming that HIV services remain exempt and urging government-led sustainability initiatives, including integrating HIV services into the national health system and ensuring timely funding for HIV programmes.

”Over the past few days, I have received numerous calls regarding the implications of the 90-day foreign aid suspension on our HIV programme.

”While we are relieved that HIV services remain exempt, this situation underscores the need for government-led sustainability efforts,” she said.