By Ochiaka Ugwu
The United States Embassy Charge d’affaires in Nigeria, Mr. David Young noted that Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) showed progress and critical gaps in ending the HIV epidemic in the nation.
In a statement released in Abuja yesterday by the Information Office of Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States of America, Mr. Young noted that Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey represents an extraordinary example of what can be achieved by working together saying the US Government looks forward to increased Government of Nigeria ownership and investment in the HIV response to ensure sustainability
According to Mr. Young, “The Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey represents an extraordinary example of what can be achieved by working together.” He also said “the US Government looks forward to increased Government of Nigeria ownership and investment in the HIV response to ensure sustainability.”
Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, formally unveiled the findings of the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) and launched the Revised National HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework 2019-2021, which will form the future response to the country’s epidemic.
The NAIIS revealed Nigeria had fewer people living with HIV than previously estimated.
The new national HIV prevalence measure is estimated at 1.4% and is more accurate than those previously conducted, as it is based on an expanded surveillance system and a revised and enhanced methodology.
“The survey was conducted by the Government of Nigeria, with the support of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and other development partners, with technical assistance from the CDC.
“It was one of the largest population-based HIV/AIDS household survey in the world. NAIIS directly measured HIV prevalence and viral load suppression, allowing Nigeria to focus on providing services to the areas with the greatest need to control the HIV epidemic.
