USAID concludes Nigeria HIV
Since 2009, USAID has had a
special plan for a special number of Nigeria’s HIV-positive people categorized
as most-at-risk because of their type of job or sexual preference has led to
them being marginalised.
Such people include LGBTs,
prostitutes, drug users, and USAID came up with the Integrated
Most-at-Risk-Populations HIV Prevention Project to test them for HIV and also
sensitise them on prevention.
Now, USAID has ended the project
implemented by Heartland Alliance after testing over half a million of their
number among which 44,000 were diagnosed with HIV and 23,000 provided with life-saving
antiretroviral therapy.
Their treatment was provided in
‘safe spaces’ that encouraged them to discuss their health issues in confidence
with healthcare professionals.
“USAID remains committed to
working with the Nigerian government and people to improve delivery of services
for HIV-marginalized people,” USAID Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin said at
the project’s closing ceremony. “As we
look to an AIDS-free generation, Nigeria can serve as a source of inspiration
and hope to the world.”
Though the project has ended,
Haykin said a successor activity has recently begun operating to augment
existing USAID HIV care and treatment efforts to advance Nigeria’s pathway to
epidemic control by increasing access to comprehensive HIV prevention,
treatment and care services.
Comments
Post a Comment