The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reviewed its efforts to help Nigeria end the Human Immunodeficiency Virus as a public health threat by 2030.
The US also introduced its plans for an integrated health services delivery initiative.
It made this known during its 3rd Biannual Program Performance Review and Stakeholder Engagement Meeting from October 17 to 19, 2023.
The meeting was part of the US CDC’s commitment to regularly review and adapt programming to meet the needs of the HIV response in Nigeria.
According to a press release on Thursday, the meetings provided partners and stakeholders from the 19 U.S.
CDC-supported states a platform to discuss achievements and challenges in HIV programming and also plan for state-led HIV responses, coordination, and sustainability efforts.
“The integrated health services platform will serve to enhance these efforts and improve the overall quality of and access to comprehensive healthcare in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The US CDC Country Deputy Director Suzanne Theroux, emphasised the US CDC’s commitment to using science and data to guide the design and implementation of sustainable, comprehensive, state-led health programming.
US Chargé d’Affaires, David Greene, noted that building connections across diseases, responses, and routine health activities like immunization could only serve to strengthen the healthcare and public health systems in Nigeria.
The Director of Public Health, Chukwuma Anyaike, who represented the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, recognised the importance and effectiveness of partnership in the HIV response.
Anyaike also highlighted the continued need to close identified testing and treatment gaps, while stressing the need to use data and innovative technology to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
Source: Punch
