HIV Prevention

HIV Prevention

Although there has been a decline in HIV prevalence among females from 4.0% to 3.5%, and a slight increase among men from 3.2% to 3.3%, the overall burden remains higher for women across nearly all age groups — except for the 35–39 and 40–44 year categories.

In both urban and rural areas, HIV prevalence continues to be higher among females. The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is also greater among women, with rates between 8.3% and 10.6%, compared to 4%–4.6% for men.

Among individuals aged 15 years and above, the annual number of new infections rose from 115,696 in 1990 to 168,235 in 2013. For children aged 0–14, new infections increased from 10,377 in 1990 to 54,130 in 2013.
Projected AIDS-related deaths also rose significantly — from 141,225 in 2000 to 233,604 in 2013 — largely due to ignorance, poor access to healthcare and social services (including ART), stigma and discrimination, gender inequality, and poverty.

Analysis of HIV prevalence among key populations reveals that infection rates remain alarmingly high:

  1. Female Sex Workers (FSW): 27.4% for Brothel-Based (BBFSW) and 21.1% for Non-Brothel-Based (NBBFSW)

  2. Men who have Sex with Men (MSM): 17.2%

  3. Injecting Drug Users (IDU): 4.2%

Mode of Transmission & Risk Factors

According to the 2009 Mode of Transmission Study, new infections were attributed as follows:

37% among individuals engaging in what is perceived as “low-risk sex” (including married couples)

22% through Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT)

38% through other modes of transmission

While HIV/AIDS knowledge is gradually increasing, it remains low in the general population — 35.6% among males and 23.6% among females — and low across all sub-populations.

Condom use, though improving, is still far below the desired level of 100%. The lowest usage rates are observed among young people aged 15–19, especially young women who have non-marital sexual partners.

Among key populations:

Knowledge of HIV/AIDS is highest among FSW (41% BBFSW and 36.1% NBBFSW)

HIV risk perception is highest among FSWs

Condom use: FSW 70%, MSM 52%, IDU 22%

HIV risk perception is highest among FSWs

ACHL’s Role in HIV Prevention

The Africa Centre for Health Leadership (ACHL) plays an active role in strengthening HIV prevention, care, and support efforts at the community level.

Our work includes:

Improving access to HIV counseling and testing (HCT) across communities.

Supporting Community Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS.

Collaborating with government and non-governmental organizations to build capacity for the provision of HIV prevention, care, and support services — especially for key populations, vulnerable women, girls, and young people.

The Director of ACHL facilitated the development of the National Plan of Action on Gender-Based Violence and HIV/AIDS Intersections and has been instrumental in supporting national implementation efforts.
Additionally, ACHL played a key role in the Abuja Municipal Plan for Key Populations and the Curriculum Review for marginalized (socially excluded) women in Plateau State, in collaboration with Women for Women International.

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