FCTA To Reduce HIV Prevalence

By: Badaru Yakasai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated the enrollment of people living with HIV (PLHIV) into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Territory.

Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, made this disclosure when a delegation from the National AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections Control and Hepatitis Programme (NASCP), paid her an advocacy visit in her office.

Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Baba- Gana Adam, said he FCT has made significant progress in reducing HIV prevalence to 1.4% as evidenced by the NAIIS study in 2018.

The Mandate Secretary assured the delegation of the FCTA’s unwavering support for the state’s AIDS, STI, and viral hepatitis control program (SASCP); highlighting their shared goal of achieving an HIV-free FCT while meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

She emphasized the importance of collaboration in implementing the Global Fund’s Grant Cycle 7, which aims to enhance the health sector’s response to HIV

Fasawe enjoined the National AIDS Programme to work closely with its state counterparts to maximize the impact of the GC7 grant.

Speaking earlier, the National Coodinator, National AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, Dr. Adedobola Bashorun, said the visit aligns with the goals of the National AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Control Programme.

While acknowledging vital role of collaboration with the State AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, Bashorun said it is significant in tackling public health challenges.