Former Minister of Health and Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Canada, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has urged the country to safeguard the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, describing the response to the epidemic as one of the most remarkable public health achievements in recent history.
Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration and public health symposium of APIN Public Health Initiatives in Abuja, Adewole said sustained investments in treatment, prevention programmes and community-based healthcare had transformed millions of lives and reduced the impact of HIV across the country.
He noted that initiatives such as free and subsidised antiretroviral therapy, decentralised healthcare services, prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes and behavioural interventions had significantly lowered new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.
According to him, Nigeria’s HIV response demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships, evidence-based policies and long-term commitment to public health.
Adewole also highlighted improvements in other health sectors, including maternal and child healthcare, tuberculosis control, malaria prevention and immunisation. He attributed the gains to expanded healthcare services, increased access to medicines, improved nutrition and wider vaccination coverage.
On tuberculosis, he pointed to the adoption of modern diagnostic technologies and the integration of HIV and tuberculosis services as key factors driving progress. He also cited the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, rapid testing, effective malaria treatments and vaccine introduction as major achievements in malaria control.
Despite these successes, the former minister warned that threats such as antimicrobial resistance, climate change, emerging pandemics, economic challenges and declining international donor funding could reverse hard-earned gains if not properly addressed.
He stressed the need for stronger domestic investment in healthcare, noting that countries could no longer depend heavily on foreign assistance to tackle health challenges.
The event also celebrated the contributions of APIN Public Health Initiatives over the past 25 years. Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori, described APIN as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous public health organisations.
She recalled that the organisation was established at a time when HIV/AIDS was marked by widespread stigma, fear and weak healthcare infrastructure, but had since become a major partner in improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
Ilori revealed that APIN currently supports treatment services for nearly 20 per cent of Nigerians living with HIV and has helped reduce HIV prevalence through its interventions across 30 states.
She added that the organisation has strengthened laboratory systems, enhanced health data management, conducted large-scale community surveys and expanded access to healthcare services through primary healthcare centres.
While commending APIN’s achievements, Ilori cautioned that challenges remain, including HIV prevalence among vulnerable groups, drug-resistant tuberculosis, rising non-communicable diseases and the need for sustainable healthcare financing.
APIN Chief Executive Officer, Prosper Okonkwo, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health priorities despite shifts in global funding patterns.
He said APIN would continue to leverage technology, partnerships and skilled personnel to improve healthcare outcomes and strengthen the country’s public health system.
Founded in 2000, APIN began as an HIV/AIDS-focused initiative and has since expanded its work to include tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, disease surveillance, laboratory strengthening and broader health system development.
Health experts at the symposium noted that sustaining progress against HIV and achieving global targets for ending AIDS as a public health threat would require increased local funding, resilient health systems and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.