HIV no longer a death sentence in Nigeria, experts say

Health experts in Nigeria have declared that a diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is no longer a death sentence, attributing this transformation to scientific progress and modern technology. Professor Prosper Okonkwo, CEO of APIN Public Health Initiatives, stated during the organization's 25th anniversary event in Abuja that HIV has evolved from a fatal condition to a manageable chronic illness.

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In the year 2000, a person living with HIV in Nigeria was, in most cases, living with a death sentence. There were no antiretroviral drugs widely available. There was no pathway to an undetectable viral load.

Okonkwo recalled the grim reality in the early 2000s when Nigeria's HIV response was overwhelmed. "In the year 2000, a person living with HIV in Nigeria was, in most cases, living with a death sentence," he said. "There were no antiretroviral drugs widely available. There was no pathway to an undetectable viral load." He described a period of intense fear, loss, and silence surrounding the epidemic, noting that the focus was solely on survival.

Today, the situation has dramatically changed. "Today, a person living with HIV can achieve full viral suppression and live a healthy, productive life. They can have children who are born free of the virus. They can marry, work, and lead, and the virus does not have to define any of it," Okonkwo explained. This progress, he emphasized, is the result of decades of sustained collaboration between the government, development partners, health implementers, and organizations like APIN, which has been instrumental in reshaping service delivery, training healthcare workers, strengthening laboratories, and expanding treatment access.

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Today, a person living with HIV can achieve full viral suppression and live a healthy, productive life. They can have children who are born free of the virus. They can marry, work, and lead, and the virus does not have to define any of it.

While celebrating the progress, Uche Okezie, APIN Director for Strategic Information, acknowledged challenges related to global funding, which currently limits access to antiretroviral treatment for some patients. However, he assured that the National Agency for the Control of Aids is actively addressing this issue. The transformation of HIV care in Nigeria underscores the impact of consistent scientific research, advocacy, investment, and program implementation.

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We did not arrive here by accident. We arrived here through decades of science, advocacy, investment, and programme delivery. And APIN has been part of that journey every step of the way.