A new hope for HIV patients is on the way as health organisations partner to combat the scourge. AUWAL AHMAD reports.
Nestled in North-eastern Nigeria, Gombe state has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a region heavily burdened by HIV/AIDS to a shining example of success in the battle against the disease.
Previously plagued by high infection rates, Gombe has made tremendous strides, emerging as one of only three states in Nigeria to attain the esteemed status of epidemic control.
This achievement is a testament to the state’s unwavering commitment, innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, culminating in years of tireless work towards a healthier future.
The collaboration that tacked HIV
From 2011 to 2024, the Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP) has played a pivotal role in providing HIV care and treatment in Gombe. This remarkable achievement follows the efforts of its parent organisation, ICAP at Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University New York which led similar initiatives in the state from 2007 to 2011.
Through CIHP’s unwavering commitment, Gombe has surpassed the UNAIDS 95/95/95 target, a significant milestone in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. This target involves diagnosing 95% of all HIV-positive individuals, providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to 95% of those diagnosed and achieving viral suppression in 95% of those treated. This success is a major victory in the global fight against the epidemic.
CIHP’s efforts in Gombe go beyond this milestone, encompassing 24 comprehensive healthcare facilities, 37 sites dedicated to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and TB/HIV services and three community-based organisations (CBOs). These initiatives ensure the sustainable delivery of high-quality ART services to both community members and healthcare facilities across the state.
The comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment and care services provided by CIHP from 2007 to 2024 were made possible through funding from the United State President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) via the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With the project’s conclusion, CIHP has transitioned its responsibilities to the Society for Family Health (SFH) as of August 20, 2024.
During the ceremony marking this transition, Dr Bolanle Oyeledun, CEO of CIHP paid a visit to the state deputy governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau in his office. The visit also included engagements with the commissioner for health, Dr Habu Dahiru and the chief medical director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe. A celebration was organised for orphans and vulnerable children to commemorate the programme’s success.
Jatau commended CIHP for its efforts in combating HIV/AIDS in the state and emphasized that health is the cornerstone of all progress. “Health is the foundation upon which every other achievement is built.” He reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to prioritising healthcare, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other epidemics.
Highlighting the strides made in reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence, Dr Jatau noted Gombe’s transformation from one of the states with the highest infection rates in Nigeria to achieving remarkable improvements. He also stressed the importance of sustained efforts in healthcare and urged donor partners to establish local laboratories for developing affordable herbal treatments. He called on policy makers to address cultural and psychological barriers to healthcare access, reiterating that health remains the foundation of any developmental progress.
Dr Dahiru, on his part, praised CIHP’s contributions particularly in capacity building, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the improvement of healthcare infrastructure across the state. He emphasized the importance of sustainability in healthcare and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
He expressed gratitude for the support of global partners, including the PEPFAR, US CDC, ICAP (from the University of Columbia) among others and acknowledged their role in advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
Dr Dahiru assured attendees that the legacy of CIHP’s work will be preserved and enhanced under the stewardship of the Society for Family Health (SFH) with a continued focus on sustaining progress in HIV prevention and management.
“This event is not just a farewell but a celebration of 17 years of relentless dedication and partnership, leaving behind a lasting impact on the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
“As the programme transitions to SFH, the commitment to providing vital HIV/AIDS services in Gombe state remains steadfast, ensuring that the progress made over the past 17 years continues to thrive,” Dr Dahiru remarked.
In show of appreciation
During the visit and transition ceremony, Dr Bolanle praised the partnership between CIHP and Gombe state government, highlighting the state’s achievement as one of only three in Nigeria to attain epidemic control, with over 95% of those in need of testing reached. She emphasized that CIHP’s efforts have resulted in the testing of over two million people and the provision of life-saving treatment to 26,000 individuals, significantly reducing the spread of HIV in the state.
Dr Oyeledun also underscored the programme’s achievements in rehabilitating healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers and screening thousands of pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, thereby securing healthier futures for countless children. She stressed the importance of sustainability in building upon these successes to further improve healthcare delivery in Gombe state.
“Today, as we transition our programme to new partners, we do so with immense pride in what we have achieved together. Thousands of lives have been saved and the spread of HIV has been drastically reduced. Gombe is now one of the three states in Nigeria to have achieved epidemic control.”
Recounting personal experience
Fatima Ali, a 32-year-old mother of three, shared her personal journey in the fight against HIV. Contracting the virus from her late husband, Fatima was left to care for her children while managing her health.
“I felt like the world was closing in on me,” she recalls. “I didn’t know where to turn or how to cope with the stigma.”
Fatima’s story is one of both heartbreak and hope. Despite the stigma that has hindered many from seeking testing and treatment, she found support through the programme, receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and connecting with others facing similar challenges. “I learned that I wasn’t alone,” Fatima says with a smile. “There were others who understood what I was going through, and together, we found strength.”
Role of enlightenment campaign
Education has played a crucial role in Gombe’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Schools, religious institutions and community leaders have been key in raising awareness about safe practices and the importance of regular testing. Efforts to teach youth about prevention are ongoing, with increasing focus on gender equality and empowerment, acknowledging that women and girls are especially vulnerable to the virus.
While progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. However, stories like Fatima’s offer hope. Through resilience, education and community support, Gombe is gradually turning the tide against HIV/AIDS.
Fatima now serves as a peer educator, assisting others in her community to understand the importance of knowing their HIV status and seeking treatment. “I want people to know that there is life after an HIV diagnosis. With the right support and treatment, we can live long, healthy lives. We can raise our children, work and contribute to our communities. We can overcome this together,” Fatima said.
Local supports
Mr Emmanuel Hezekiah, programme manager of Nightingale, spoke on behalf of the Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) that collaborated with CIHP in Gombe, emphasizing the crucial role these local partners played in achieving the programme’s remarkable success. He specifically acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Nightingale Women Health Initiative, Kishimi Shelter and Care and Gamuna Care and Support Foundations whose collective efforts positively impacted over 20,000 households, demonstrating the power of community-driven initiatives in driving meaningful change.
“We ensured that every household enrolled in the programme received vital HIV services. This included adherence support for treatment, helping clients return for missed appointments and ensuring timely viral load testing. We also prioritized early infant diagnosis of HIV and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.”
Mr Hezekiah also emphasized the essential services provided to more than 100 orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) by the two foundations, across a range of critical areas. These efforts included protecting households from violence, creating safe environments for OVCs and offering educational support such as school fee waivers. Households were also empowered through financial education and the introduction of Village Loan and Savings Associations, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities and improve their livelihoods.
Mr Ibrahim Kabir, chairman of the Network of People Living with HIV in Gombe warmly thanked CIHP for rekindling hope among their members, notably by economically empowering 7,000 women through small-scale business initiatives. “CIHP’s doors were always open, ready to assist anyone in need. Whether newly diagnosed or living with HIV for years, the centre offered more than medical treatment; it provided hope,” Kabir said.
He also praised CIHP for its significant contribution to combating HIV-related stigma, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment within the community where individuals living with HIV can thrive without fear of judgment or discrimination.
“In the past, many lives were lost unnecessarily due to stigma, but through strong community engagement, CIHP has actively combated stigma and focused on community needs, leading to better outcomes in viral suppression among those living with HIV,” Kabir explained.
The principal, School of Nursing and Midwifery in Gombe Dr Polina Doka praised CIHP for securing a five-year accreditation for the college, largely due to the organisation’s efforts in equipping the library with the necessary facilities.
As Gombe continues its fight against HIV/AIDS, the stories of individuals like Fatima remind us that progress is possible and with continued effort, the silent struggles of today can become the victories of tomorrow.
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