Africa has made remarkable progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted these achievements in her statement to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, themed “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right” on Friday.

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For the first time in 2023, the number of new HIV infections outside sub-Saharan Africa surpassed those within the region, underscoring Africa’s significant progress.

The continent is also a global leader in advancing the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets aimed at ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those treated achieve viral suppression.

“Seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76,” said Dr. Moeti. “About 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy.”

Botswana and Namibia were recognized for achieving significant milestones in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, earning silver and bronze tier statuses, respectively, under WHO’s Path to Elimination of HIV initiative.

African countries are also adopting innovative prevention methods, including oral and long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.

Dr. Moeti stressed that while these tools are vital, their impact depends on accessibility.

“The value of these innovations depends on their universal accessibility,” she stated, emphasizing the need for investments and policy reforms.

Dr. Moeti called for an end to stigma and discrimination, which she said continue to hinder progress.

“We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender, or where they live. Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress.”

While celebrating these advancements, Dr. Moeti noted that disease outbreaks across the region pose a challenge to already overburdened health systems.

She emphasized the importance of strong, integrated, and person-centered health care systems to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

“Let’s take this opportunity today to acknowledge the progress, but to also renew our joint commitment to eliminating HIV.

By protecting everyone’s right to health, and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” she urged.

Dr. Moeti also highlighted the crucial role of communities in shaping strategies to eliminate barriers to care.

“We must ensure their voices are heard,” she said, emphasizing that the collective efforts of governments, partners, civil society, health care providers, and communities are essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Nigeria requires an estimated $19 million to effectively combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), according to Fatai Oyediran, the National Coordinator for NTDs at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Speaking at a high-level advocacy meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Oyediran highlighted the urgent need for funding to support the country’s NTD control efforts.

“We developed our NTD master plan in 2023, which runs through 2027, and $19 million is what we need to implement it effectively,” Oyediran stated, emphasizing that adequate investment is crucial to addressing these diseases, which continue to affect millions in Nigeria.

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The World Health Organisation defines NTDs as a diverse group of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, often leading to devastating health, social, and economic consequences.

These diseases primarily affect impoverished communities in tropical areas and are estimated to impact over one billion people globally.

In Nigeria, NTDs are responsible for a significant portion of the continent’s health burden, with the country contributing to 50% of Africa’s NTD cases and 25% of the global total.

Oyediran underscored the need for a united approach to secure funding and mobilize resources for Nigeria’s NTD control programs.

“One major challenge in addressing NTDs has been inadequate funding. There are about 21 diseases grouped under NTDs; each of them has its own peculiarities. Adequate funding is essential to effectively implementing all the strategies of controlling NTDs,” he explained.

The National Coordinator also called on both federal and state governments to allocate specific budgetary provisions for NTDs.

“Most states currently lack budgetary provisions for these diseases, and this is why we are engaging with health commissioners today. They are expected to communicate with their governors and ministries of budget and planning to establish a dedicated budget line for NTDs,” he said.

Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation at United to Combat NTDs, echoed Oyediran’s call for funding, emphasizing that eliminating NTDs should be prioritized due to their severe economic impact.

“There are many health priorities, but eliminating NTDs is equally important because they contribute to economic and productivity losses,” Halford said.

Progress is being made in some states, such as Abia, where NTDs like onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis have been largely controlled.

Abia State Health Commissioner, Prof. Enoch Uche, revealed that the state was certified in 2022 for breaking the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.

“We began mass administration of drugs as a form of preventive measure, which lasted for 10 years. In 2022, Abia state was certified to have broken the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis,” he said.

Kwara State has also made strides in the fight against NTDs.

The state’s Health Commissioner, Amina El-Imam, noted that Kwara has successfully eradicated lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, despite the many other health challenges the state faces.

“NTDs are so-called because they have not received appropriate attention and funding over the past years. Unless we refocus on them, we will not be able to achieve eradication as intended,” she warned.

A cholera outbreak in Sokoto State has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with 1,160 confirmed cases recorded in three local government areas.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday.

She revealed that 15 patients are currently receiving treatment for the disease, which was confirmed through laboratory tests.

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“Out of 1,160 people affected by the outbreak, 25 have succumbed to the disease,” Dr. Balarabe said.

In response, the state government has ramped up efforts to curtail the spread of the infection, which is caused by consuming contaminated water or food.

“The state rescue teams are collaborating with the government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease,” the commissioner stated.

To address the crisis, the government has ordered the immediate purchase and distribution of essential drugs free of charge to all 18 local government areas of the state.

Dr. Balarabe urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if they exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

The outbreak has highlighted the need for improved sanitation and clean water access in affected communities, as health authorities work to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.