Nigeria is confronting considerable challenges as it strives to meet its 2030 global health targets, particularly concerning HIV/AIDS and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). With persistent public health issues and significant socio-economic repercussions, the nation finds itself at a crossroads.
According to recent statistics, approximately 2 million adults and children are currently living with HIV, with Nigeria alone accounting for around 1,400 new HIV infections and 50,000 AIDS-related deaths weekly as of 2023. This alarming index highlights the urgent need for effective intervention strategies. Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), noted, “With the aim of preventing any additional HIV-related fatalities or new infections, our strategy focuses on moving us closer to eradic...,” indicating the national focus on considerable improvements.
Despite progress made through the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95–95–95 targets, where approximately 1.7 million of the estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the country faces major obstacles. This target emphasizes the need for 95% of individuals with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to receive ART, and 95% of those on ART to achieve viral suppression.
While the implementation of initiatives such as the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme has seen some success, experts argue there is still much work to be done to meet the needs of women needing HIV services. Public education campaigns have made strides by increasing awareness and reducing stigma, yet entrenched prejudices hinder many individuals from seeking necessary care.
Perhaps the most pressing concern is Nigeria’s dependence on external funding sources, including the American PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This reliance is seen as unsustainable. Dr. Ilori emphasized the need to mobilize domestic resources, stating, “By prioritising increased domestic resource mobilisation and strategic partnerships, Nigeria is positioning itself to maintain its momentum...” Such perspectives reveal the national commitment to broaden funding sources and solidify the progress made against the HIV epidemic.
The establishment of the HIV Trust Fund, initiated by the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA) and NACA, seeks to secure resources from the private sector, fundamentally shifting the funding paradigm. The Trust Fund aims to provide antiretroviral drugs, test kits, and other necessary commodities to bolster existing health services.
Meanwhile, discussions around UHC have intensified as stakeholders express concern over Nigeria’s capacity to meet its global targets by 2030. UHC Day, observed annually on December 12, highlights inequalities and access challenges faced by many who seek healthcare. Dr. Rahman Olayinka from the Association of Resident Doctors noted the need for strong and reliable primary healthcare systems, stating, “Achieving UHC requires... sadly, [that] has not been achieved over the years...”, emphasizing the urgent need for more holistic and widespread reforms to primary health services.
The Nigerian government has been proactive, with initiatives receiving strong political backing. Coordinated Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, mentioned, “To this end, achieving UHC is a political decision, and Nigeria is committed to...,” highlighting efforts to put institutional plans and fiscal strategies to improve healthcare provisions.
Despite the positive rhetoric, the reality of UHC fulfillment is grim. Access to basic health services is still limited, largely due to insufficient infrastructure and human resources at primary healthcare centers (PHCs). Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, noted, “We want to also reduce out-of-pocket expenditure...” This point highlights the need for comprehensive health insurance alongside improved facilities, reiterate flaws currently latent within Nigeria’s health system.
Reforms are being pursued under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), established as part of Nigeria's National Health Act. Yet many stakeholders have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the BHCPF, raising concerns over its foundational structure and execution challenges. Currently, initiatives exist to expand PHC access from 8,000 to over 17,000 centers; the feasibility of achieving this remains contingent upon adequate resources.
Achieving the ambitious health targets set forth by global leaders requires sustained commitment and collaboration from all sectors of society. The efforts to alleviate gaps and promote dignity must address systemic barriers, ensuring healthcare accessibility for all Nigerians. The need is clear: if Nigeria hopes to achieve its health goals by 2030, it must consolidate progress, empower communities, and demonstrate unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes.
With global attention focusing on Nigeria’s health initiatives, the call remains for strategic actions transcending political will, focusing on community health needs and addressing the systemic inequities hampering healthcare access. "Take the rights path: My health, my right!" emphasizes the collaborative endeavor necessary to drive meaningful change, protecting rights and minimizing stigma to realize the right to health for all.
