Nigeria: Nigeria Records 96% Viral Suppression for Persons On HIV Treatment - U.S. CDC
[This Day] United States Centre for Disease Control (US-CDC) said Nigeria had attained measurable progress in the fight against the spread of the HIV virus.
The United States Centre for Disease Control (US-CDC) has reported that Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against HIV, with 96% of patients on regular treatment demonstrating viral load suppression. Dr. Dennis Onotu, Branch Chief of Continuum of Care and Treatment in Nigeria, shared these encouraging statistics with THISDAY.
The 96% figure surpasses the 95% UNAIDS target outlined in the 95-95-95 strategy, which emphasizes increased testing, treatment adherence, and regular viral load monitoring. While Nigeria has already surpassed the target for those receiving care, Dr. Onotu emphasized the importance of finding and supporting the remaining four percent of patients who are on treatment but not suppressed.
He stressed that identifying these individuals is crucial to preventing further transmission of the virus. Dr. Onotu warned that without viral load suppression, the virus continues to replicate, damaging the immune system and leaving patients vulnerable to various infections and drug-resistant strains. The implications of this public health issue go beyond individual well-being, as an individual not virally suppressed can potentially transmit HIV to others through unprotected sex, blood exposure, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on improving treatment adherence and ensuring that those who are unaware of their HIV status receive timely testing and care.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
