Only 2% of infected children getting treatment — Officials
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has raised fresh alarm over widening gaps in HIV treatment and funding in Abuja, unveiling a N41.2 billion strategic plan to combat the disease and end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The new roadmap, tagged the FCT HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (FSP) 2025–2027 and popularly called the “Abuja Compact,” was launched on Tuesday in Abuja amid fears over a staggering 98 per cent funding shortfall threatening the programme.
Health officials also disclosed that only two per cent of children in need of HIV treatment in the FCT are currently receiving care.
Speaking at the launch held at Ajuji Hotels, Gudu, Abuja, Dr. Dan Gadzama, who represented the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, warned that Abuja’s HIV burden remained above the national average.
According to him, despite recording a 100 per cent Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) initiation rate among identified patients, major treatment gaps still persist.
He said men and boys were among the most underserved groups, accounting for just 32 per cent of adults currently on treatment.
Gadzama further revealed that key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs, contribute about 12 per cent of new HIV infections but continue to face stigma and discrimination.
“If we continue business as usual, the 2030 target to end AIDS will be a mirage. The FSP 2025–2027 changes the rules of engagement,” he warned.
The event attracted government officials, civil society organisations, development partners and networks of People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
In her remarks, the Project Manager of the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS (FACA), Dr. Doris John, described the plan as a bold commitment towards achieving an AIDS-free Abuja.
“The clock is ticking towards the 2030 target to end AIDS as a public health threat,” she said.
She called on the media to intensify campaigns against stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV/AIDS.
“Let us engage and deliberate on a renewed covenant to achieve an AIDS-free FCT by 2030,” she added.
John explained that the new strategy would move away from donor-driven interventions towards a more community-based and locally owned response system under the national “Alignment 2.0” agenda.
She added that the programme would focus on equitable healthcare delivery across urban and rural communities in the FCT, including Abaji and Kuje.
