50,000 people currently receiving HIV treatment across 10 Nigerian states – SHF

BY ADA DIKE

With over 50,000 people currently receiving life-saving HIV treatment across ten Nigerian states, and viral load suppression rates remaining above 95 percent, these outcomes highlight the scale of progress achieved under the Society for Family Health (SFH)-led CARE 2 Programme, as stakeholders intensify efforts to sustain gains through increased government ownership. The results reflect years of targeted investments in service delivery, community systems, and data-driven programming that have strengthened access to treatment and improved health outcomes across Bauchi and Sokoto States.

To consolidate these gains, SFH convened a three-day high-level engagement with government leaders, health stakeholders, and community partners to advance the transition from donor-supported HIV programmes to government-led systems. The engagement provided a platform for states to assess readiness, align priorities, and define practical steps to maintain treatment coverage, safeguard service quality, and ensure continuity of care. Discussions also emphasised the importance of preserving the strong community-based models that have driven uptake and retention in HIV services.

Key priorities identified at the meeting include integrating HIV services into primary healthcare systems, strengthening state financing and budget execution, ensuring uninterrupted access to treatment and essential commodities, and transitioning critical human resources into government systems. Each state developed a context-specific transition pathway, reflecting varying levels of readiness and timelines for implementation.

SFH reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governments through this transition, positioning the shift as a critical step towards a resilient, locally owned HIV response capable of sustaining impact and protecting the health of vulnerable populations.