By Tobaias Lengnan Dapam
On Wednesday, the Aids Health Foundation converged on the nation’s capital in Abuja to share its success story of having 2m people in care globally.
Country Program Director, AHF Nigeria, Dr. Echey Ijezie revealed that it now has two million people living with HIV/AIDS under its care across its 47 country offices globally.
At the event which saw stakeholders from both public and private sector in Abuja, he said the global program was launched over 20 years ago in two African countries (South Africa and Uganda) with 100 patients in each, but has now risen to two million under its care and support.
in his welcome speech said AHF is proud to reach the historic milestone.
“We never imagined we’d one day be serving 2 million lives under our care around the world. Today, more than half of AHF’s 2 million lives receiving care are in Africa. The combination of medicine and advocacy – implementing prevention, care, and treatment programs and the support of government and other international donors have allowed us to reach this momentous achievement collectively.
“In 2011 when we berthed in Gbajimba, Benue state, Nigeria, we started with a zero patient base, but today, we have 29, 000 in care under the Nigeria program, many of them in very remote locations in Abuja, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross river, Kogi and Nasarawa states.”
Ijezie stated further that with clinics and facilities spanning 47 countries worldwide in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, AHF has leveraged innovative healthcare delivery models to expand its reach and impact. “It reaches communities in need by providing comprehensive medical care, treatment, testing, prevention, and support services.
He maintained that AHF will continue its fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, while remaining steadfast in its commitment to advocating for access to HIV treatment and care for everyone who needs it and also partner in the national HIV/AIDS intervention.
On his part, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Heath, commended AHF for the fear recorded in the country and the world at large.
He said the Nigerian government is proud of the achievements of AHF And urged them to continue to set the pace.
He said the foundation has saved Musi many lives and gave hope to many, saying the government will continue to partner with the foundation to ensure a brighter future for Nigerians.
