By Njoku Chijioke
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has marked a significant milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS, placing 61,384 individuals on antiretroviral therapy—a remarkable achievement exceeding projections by 223%.
This progress was revealed by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day.
Among those receiving treatment are 1,048 children, accounting for 3.8% of the total.
Despite the FCT’s HIV prevalence rate of 1.4%, slightly above the national average of 1.3%, the administration’s proactive approach has been commendable.
With a population of approximately 6.95 million, the FCT has established a robust health infrastructure featuring 122 service delivery points across its six Area Councils to provide antiretroviral therapy.
In addition, the administration has intensified its commitment to eliminating stigma and discrimination—key barriers to effective care.
Efforts are underway to extend services to underserved populations, safeguard vulnerable groups, and provide comprehensive support for all individuals living with HIV.
This includes decentralized community-based care through 285 conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites, further enhancing the reach of its health sector response.
The FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts underscore its dedication to ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
