The forum with the theme "Getting To Zero: The Biomedical Way" is organized by the New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society (NHVMAS) in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Institute of Public Health (IPH) of the Obafemi Awolowo University, UNAIDS, Society for Family Health (SFH) and other stakeholders in HIV and AIDS in Nigeria.
Speaking on how the world could achieve a HIV-free generation, Prof. Sagay from the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) said the target is an achievable task that would involve various stakeholders. He added that several steps are needed. They include male involvement, family planning, combination prevention, task shifting, decentralization and private sector engagement.
He decried the wide gap in ARV/ART coverage in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Nigeria. While the level of coverage is 22% in Nigeria, he said South Africa has been able to scale up its coverage to about 88%.
In his remark, Dr Ibekwe from NACA, described the recently unveiled Nigerian President's HIV plan as ambitious, he however noted that the plan could provide leadership needed for change in Nigeria's epidemic.
He added the nation is yet to meet the Abuja declaration target of 15% of National budget to health.
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