Health

Nigeria to Begin Local Production of HIV Test Kits, Anti-Retroviral Drugs

Published

4 weeks ago

Jan 31, 2025.

Nigeria will start producing HIV test kits and anti-retroviral drugs by 2025.
The move aims to reduce foreign aid dependence and end AIDS by 2030.
Experts stress the need for stronger local funding and better HIV coverage.

Nigeria is set to commence domestic production of HIV/AIDS test kits and anti-retroviral drugs by the end of 2025, marking a significant step towards reducing dependence on foreign aid and achieving an AIDS-free generation.

Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), disclosed this on Friday in Ilorin during the inauguration of the Kwara Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatrics ART Acceleration Committee.

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She emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Other measures include expanding enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme, mobilizing resources to states, strengthening advocacy efforts, and supporting vaccine research and innovation.

“The production of HIV commodities within Nigeria will not only ensure accessibility but also reduce costs and enhance sustainability,” Ilori stated.

The Challenge of Paediatric HIV and Mother-to-Child Transmission

Despite progress in HIV control, paediatric HIV remains a significant challenge. According to the 2023 UNAIDS report, approximately 140,000 Nigerian children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurring annually.

“PMTCT and paediatric HIV coverage currently stand below 33%, far from the 95% target,” Ilori revealed. “This underscores the urgency of the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children, which, despite full financial backing, has yet to yield optimal results.”

She noted that while Kwara State’s HIV prevalence (0.8%) is lower than the national average (1.4%), disparities persist. Women are disproportionately affected, with a prevalence rate of 1.3% compared to 0.4% in men. Some local government areas require targeted interventions to maintain and further reduce prevalence rates.

“No child should be born HIV-positive in Kwara State,” Ilori asserted. “We urge all partners to support the development of a comprehensive list of children with HIV-positive parents to accelerate paediatric ART nationwide.”

Reducing Dependence on Foreign Aid

Ilori highlighted the need for Nigeria to move towards self-sufficiency in HIV treatment and care. She noted concerns over the government’s reliance on donor support, particularly in light of the recent 90-day suspension of foreign aid.

“Although HIV services remain exempt from the suspension, this situation highlights the importance of government-led sustainability efforts,” she said.

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The Deputy Governor of Kwara, Mr. Kayode Alabi, assured that the state government would fully support the committee’s mandate.

“With this initiative, mother-to-child transmission of HIV will soon become a thing of the past in Kwara State,” he said.

This move towards local production and sustainable HIV response marks a crucial shift in Nigeria’s fight against the epidemic, reinforcing the country’s commitment to ending AIDS by 2030.

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