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Estimated 1.3 million People Infected with HIV in 2023

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Estimated 1.3 million People Infected with HIV in 2023

By: Michael Mike

An estimated 1.3 million people became infected with HIV in 2023, three times more than the target of fewer than 370,000 by 2025. While there has been marked progress in sub-Saharan Africa, for the first time, in 2023 more than half of the new HIV infections occurred outside of sub-Saharan Africa, a report released on Wednesday said.

The report by the Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GBC), said the rising new HIV infections are evident in several countries, particularly in countries where key populations including men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people and people who use drugs, are most affected, and investment in prevention was lower, noting that key populations and their sexual partners now represent the majority (55%) of new HIV infections globally, up from 44% in 2010.

The Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GBC), established in 2017, is addressing the HIV prevention crisis. Focusing on 40 countries the GPC, a coalition of United Nations Member States and partners including UNAIDS, donors, civil society and private sector organizations, is working to strengthen and sustain political commitment for HIV prevention.

GPC Co-chair and Former Minister of Health, Botswana. Prof. Sheila Tlou, said: “The HIV epidemic has evolved – now more than ever, we need resilient capacity to deliver and manage integrated, differentiated and equitable HIV prevention interventions,”

There has been great variation in progress among GPC member countries; the biggest declines occurred in countries within eastern and southern Africa including Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe, where new HIV infections were reduced by more than 66% and which are on track to achieve the global target of 90% reduction by 2030 – and, to a lesser extent, in western and central Africa. Expansion of access to effective HIV treatment, combined with an ongoing focus on primary prevention, are driving those achievements.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director for Programmes, Angeli Achrekar said: “The moment of opportunity for HIV prevention is now,” adding that: “Today, we have a wider range of prevention options including new long-acting antiretroviral prevention—with the new results about lenacapavir—a twice yearly injection to prevent HIV—providing a promising game-changing option—and new opportunities to communicate about HIV prevention and health.”

According to the report, Long-acting technologies like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will play a major role in preventing new infections in the coming years. Access is increasing, but only in a few countries. Around 3.5 million people were accessing PrEP (antiretroviral medicine which prevents HIV) in 2023 up from just 200 000 in 2017, but this remains far short of the 10 million target set for 2025.

New HIV prevention products in the pipeline such as long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and most recently, lenacapavir, are raising expectations due to their combination of convenience and high efficacy. However, the key is accessibility and affordability. The cost of the new long-acting injectable PrEP options, and the speed with which they are made available to potential users in the countries with the most need will be critical in expanding access to these life-saving technologies.
Persistent gaps remain in HIV prevention coverage (only 61% of areas with high incidence of HIV have programmes for young women, less than half of sex workers, and only about a third of gay men and other men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs regularly access prevention in GPC focus countries).

Condoms remain the most effective low-cost HIV prevention tool, however global condom procurement or distribution in low- and middle-income countries declined by an average of 27% between 2010 and 2022 and procurement by major donors fell by an average 32% in that period. Socially marketed distribution declined from a peak of about 3.5 billion condoms in 2011 to about 1.8 billion in 2022.

Condoms, PrEP, post exposure prophylaxis, antiretroviral therapy to ensure viral suppression thus preventing transmission of the virus, harm reduction and voluntary medical male circumcision are all HIV prevention options that should be real choices available for people at risk of HIV infection. Addressing structural and gender inequalities faced by these priority and key populations is essential in ensuring access to prevention services. The urgency to secure and sustain gains for HIV prevention cannot be overemphasized – programmes need to be community-led and country-led.

“No matter how good the science or community leadership, HIV will not end unless we have significant policy change to reverse criminalization and lessen stigmatization of affected populations. If we can’t protect human rights, then we can’t end HIV. This is never just about the virus—it’s about people, and the people must lead,” said GPC co-chair and Executive Director, AVAC, Mitchell Warren,

The report said an enormous unmet need for resources for HIV prevention and societal enabler programmes in almost all regions persists. An estimated US$ 2.4 billion was available for primary prevention programmes in low- and middle-income countries in 2023 compared to the estimated need of USD 9.5 billion in 2025. Investing in HIV prevention now is essential to scale up programmes, noting that if 1.3 million people continue to acquire HIV every year, the response will become more challenging, more complex and more costly in 2030 and 2050. Increased investments in HIV prevention, strengthened political leadership, enabling legal and policy environments are urgently needed to effectively implement programmes, insisting that the time to act is now.

Estimated 1.3 million People Infected with HIV in 2023

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Nigeria’s Health Sector Set For Revamp With $4.8bn Investment – VP Shettima

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Nigeria’s Health Sector Set For Revamp With $4.8bn Investment – VP Shettima

*** Commissions Sahad Hospitals in Abuja, describes Mijinyawa as a trustworthy businessman

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has announced that the federal government’s health sector reforms have already attracted over $4.8 billion in potential investments.

According to him, the investments are part of the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revitalising Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Disclosing this on Saturday at the commissioning and grand opening of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja, Senator Shettima outlined a comprehensive strategy to address longstanding challenges and propel Nigeria’s healthcare system into the future.

“Our health sector calls upon us all to unite. The promise of this day is one we cannot overlook. It is through such collaboration and shared dedication that we can guarantee every Nigerian receives the care and support they deserve,” he declared.

The Vice President noted that the health sector reforms under the Tinubu administration are anchored on a robust roadmap designed to tackle persistent issues that have plagued the system for decades.

He said, “This Administration’s ambitious health sector reforms, which have already attracted over $4.8 billion in potential investments, signal a strong commitment to revitalising our healthcare system.

“These reforms are anchored on a comprehensive roadmap designed to address longstanding challenges, and central to this are four key pillars: transforming healthcare governance, improving population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security.”

Detailing the government’s strategy, Senator Shettima highlighted initiatives launched by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate saying, “We have set out to achieve this by boosting domestic production of essential medical supplies and drugs, and by strengthening primary healthcare through the doubling of fully functional centres across the nation.”

The Vice President acknowledged the challenges that remain, regretting that “Nigerians continue to grapple with pressing healthcare challenges, such as surging costs of medicines, long hospital waiting times, and a shortage of health workers”.

He emphasised that the full impact of the reforms, particularly in improving access to quality healthcare, hinges on private sector involvement.

“Our private sector is a critical part of the solution, especially in the face of the long-standing brain drain among our medical workforce.

“Investing in the health sector engages the talents and skills of our citizens, generating numerous job opportunities for graduates and technicians. This is a notable aspect of our national development narrative,” the Vice President explained.

Senator Shettima revealed that the National Economic Council (NEC), which he chairs, has prioritised investments in developing Nigeria’s human capital, with health and nutrition being key thematic areas.

“Each of our state governors is fully on board. We have all acknowledged that no nation can optimise its opportunities without investing in its healthcare, and for us, this is only the beginning,” he assured.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment to the goal, the VP said, “We welcome this intervention, not just because it aligns with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has demonstrated his commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare value chain, but also because of its far-reaching implications for our national development.

“We stand prepared to move forward together into the future, and I assure you that the government will continue to be your steadfast partner in this effort to serve the nation and humanity, with full support to achieve our shared goals.”

The Vice President described the Chairman/Founder of Sahad Group of Companies, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, as a good and trustworthy businessman, even as he recounted how he intervened when Sahad Stores Ltd was locked up by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

He stated: “When the FCCPC locked up his store, I had to call the head of the agency to say, ‘Please, reopen the store before you come and tell me what happened’. I did so because I know how helpful Sahad Stores is to many Nigerians

“He (Alhaji Mijinyawa) is a very good man. He has used his business to touch many lives. If he was a selfish man, he would have kept his money to himself and his children and grandchildren alone, because he has enough to take care of himself till he leaves this world.

“But he has decided to continue helping humanity. I had so many engagements scheduled for this weekend but had to appeal to them that I can’t attend their events because I feel we should support such a person that is working for the course of humanity. We all need to support him,” the VP added.

On his part, the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the occasion, Senator Barau Jibrin, on said words are not enough to thank the Chairman of the hospital, Alhaji Mijinyawa, for his philanthropy, good quality services to the less privileged people, assuring that Sahad Hospitals will not be an exception.

Senator Jibrin who was represented at the event by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki said he was looking forward to seeing the hospital serve humanity, both high and low-income Nigerians, even as he urged the hospital authorities to liaise with other NGOs that finance medical services for the less privileged so that the people of the community who have been displaced can have access to the facility.

Also, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, thanked the Chairman of the hospital, saying the hospital does not only mark a new chapter of healthcare in Nigeria but a celebration of a vision that exemplifies what could be achieved when public-spirited individuals invest in the health of their fellow citizens.

Noting that the commissioning of the 200-bedded Sahad Hospital is a testament to the unwavering commitment of a private citizen, he said Alhaji Mijinyawa has taken a bold step to complement the efforts of the federal government in improving quality healthcare for citizens.

The Minister said the challenges of healthcare services today are multifaceted, requiring more innovative efforts from both the government and private sector.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chairman of Sahad Hospital, Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu, described the hospital as a state-of-the-art facility built to showcase their unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare and upholding the well-being of those it serves.

According to him, the hospital represents more than just a physical structure; it embodies the vision for a healthier future where everyone has access to comprehensive and compassionate care.

Explaining that Sahad Hospital has a 200-bedded capacity with seven operating theatres, 13 dialysis machines, as well as 10-bedded ICU units, Shamsuddeen said, “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the hospital – from the design to equipment – is centered around patients’ needs.”

Nigeria’s Health Sector Set For Revamp With $4.8bn Investment – VP Shettima

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U.S. Donates 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines

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U.S. Donates 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines

By: Michael Mike

United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated 10,000 doses of the mpox (formerly referred to as “Monkeypox”) vaccine to its Nigerian counterpart to support the nation’s ongoing efforts to respond to the current mpox outbreak.

Mpox is an infectious viral disease that occurs in humans and animals. It can be transmitted through close contact including sexual interactions. The prevention of mpox is through vaccination. Individuals of 18 years of age and older are determined to be at high risk for mpox infection and highly recommended to take the vaccine.

The vaccine is a two-dose primary series for use in persons who have never received smallpox vaccine and a single booster for individuals previously vaccinated with a smallpox vaccine

The U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills, speaking at the event to hand over the vaccines to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said: “We are pleased to know that this is a timely donation that will reach the affected areas across the country and those who are most vulnerable to mpox infection.”

He added that: “We encourage the Government of Nigeria to continue to mobilize domestic resources to secure more vaccines to combat mpox.”

It has been reported that the federal government has prioritized five states (Bayelsa, Edo, Cross-River, Lagos, and Rivers) with the highest burden of mpox cases. The vaccines are expected to be given to those most at risk of mpox including close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers with a provision for reactive vaccination in other states as the need arises.

When questioned on the safety of the vaccine, Mills said: “Yes, the vaccine is safe. Safety tests have been conducted during clinical trials, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control reviewed the results of these trials before granting approval for the use of the vaccines in Nigeria.”

USAID in a statement on Tuesday promised to continue to provide technical support and collaborate with the Government of Nigeria to improve prevention, preparedness, detection, response, and resilience to infectious disease outbreaks.

It said it is also supporting the Government of Nigeria with strengthening primary health care and routine immunization systems as well as supporting overall systems strengthening including health, education, nutrition, governance systems, and the rule of law.

U.S. Donates 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines

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DRC to Receive First Mpox Vaccine Doses Amid Ongoing Outbreak

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DRC to Receive First Mpox Vaccine Doses Amid Ongoing Outbreak

By: Babagana Wakil

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to receive its first shipment of mpox vaccines next week, courtesy of the United States, according to the country’s Health Minister. This timely intervention aims to combat the ongoing outbreak, which has disproportionately affected the DRC.

The DRC has borne the brunt of the mpox outbreak, accounting for over 96% of all reported cases and deaths. The country urgently requires 3 million vaccine doses to stem the spread of the virus.

In a welcome move, the United States and Japan have pledged to donate mpox vaccines to support the DRC’s response efforts. The arrival of these vaccine doses next week marks a crucial step in containing the outbreak and protecting vulnerable populations.

Health officials in the DRC have expressed gratitude for the international support, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to combat the spread of mpox.

DRC to Receive First Mpox Vaccine Doses Amid Ongoing Outbreak

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