Nigeria to control HIV/AIDS infection with self-test kit

Nigeria should be moving towards epidemic control of HIV/AIDS, the Federal Government said  recently.

Also, National Coordinator, National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STI Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Adebobola Bashorun, stressed the importance of self-tests and the need for all to know their status.

Bashorun, who spoke at the unveiling of the result of a pilot scheme carried out in Lagos and Abuja by the Society for Family Health, said the HIV self-testing kits would help in the quick identification of an individual’s HIV status.

He noted, “The HIV self-test does not need a facility. One needs only the test kits and just like pregnancy kits, it shows if it is positive or negative.

“It will also help you to quickly identify your health status and also be linked to care.

“This programme is more of a feasibility study on how it can be used in Nigeria. We are already using it and we need to expand it.

“The test kits are affordable and highly subsidised. A lot of them are even free but the idea is to see how it can be over the counter.”

Bashorun said Nigeria had increased its treatment coverage, adding that “By 2030, Nigeria should be moving towards a form of epidemic control.”

In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Society for Family Health, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, said, “With the government, we have developed a comprehensive roadmap for private sector investment testing. This roadmap will facilitate increased private sector involvement.”

No fewer than 1.9 million Nigerians are currently living with the virus, according to 2019 Nigeria National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey.