The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria: progress, problems and prospects
Aliyu, M.H.; Varkey, P.; Salihu, H.M.; Iliyasu, Z.; Abubakar, I.S.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 39(3): 233-239
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3913 PMID: 21416794 Document Number: 240809
Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, and is home to the third largest number of persons living with HIV/ AIDS in the world. Poverty, stigma, discrimination, and a poorly coordinated health system constitute major barriers to HIV treatment and prevention efforts. The purpose of this paper is to review the current status of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria, analyze the challenges facing provision of HIV/AIDS services, examine the prospects of attaining universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and advance recommendations for developing quality, sustainable and efficient HIV/AIDS services in Nigeria. HIV programs in Nigeria must emphasize sustainability of current foreign-donor driven treatment and prevention initiatives by engaging all segments of the society and enhancing community leadership and ownership of the programs.