The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) has conducted a comprehensive review of its efforts to assist Nigeria in ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. As part of this endeavor, the US CDC has introduced a new initiative aimed at delivering integrated health services to the country.
The 3rd Biannual Programme Performance Review and Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held from October 17 to 19 served as the platform for this strategic evaluation. The meeting provided an opportunity for national and state partners, as well as stakeholders from the 19 US CDC-supported states, to discuss the accomplishments and challenges faced in HIV programming over the past year. In addition, plans for state-led HIV responses, coordination, and sustainability efforts were formulated.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, the statement from the US CDC affirmed that the integrated health services platform will serve to bolster ongoing efforts and enhance the overall quality and accessibility of comprehensive healthcare services throughout Nigeria.
Acknowledging the progress made towards achieving the 95-95-95 targets, US CDC Country Deputy Director Suzanne Theroux paid tribute to national and state officials, implementing and development partners, and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to closing testing and treatment gaps. She underscored the US CDC’s dedication to utilizing scientific data as a foundation for sustainable, comprehensive, and state-led health programming.
Appreciating the potential of the integrated health service delivery platform, US Chargé d’Affaires David Greene described it as a groundbreaking concept that holds immense promise for Nigeria. By forging connections across diseases, responses, and routine health activities such as immunization, the healthcare and public health systems in Nigeria can be fortified, ensuring optimal utilization of available resources.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, in his capacity as the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike acknowledged the crucial role played by partnerships in the HIV response. He stressed the urgency of addressing identified testing and treatment gaps, emphasizing the need to leverage data and innovative technology to improve health outcomes across Nigeria.
This meeting exemplified the US CDC’s commitment to periodic review and adaptation of programs to meet the evolving needs of Nigeria’s HIV response. The next biannual programme performance review and stakeholder engagement meeting is scheduled for April 2024.
