FCT launches N41.2bn HIV/AIDS plan

The Nigeria — Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)>>> (FCTA) has launched the FCT HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (FSP) 2025-2027, dubbed the 'Abuja Compact', with a budget of N41.2 billion. This plan aims to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat in the Nigeria — Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)>>> by 2030. The initiative addresses significant challenges including demographic disparities, structural stigma, and a 98% funding gap. Adedolapo Fasawe>>>, Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, represented by Dan Gadzama>>>, highlighted that the HIV burden in Abuja remains above the national average despite a 100% Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) initiation rate among identified patients. Key gaps include low treatment rates among men and boys (32%), a staggering 98% of children needing HIV treatment being unsupported, and underserved key populations accounting for 12% of new infections due to stigma. Doris John>>>, Project Manager of the Nigeria — National Agency for the Control of AIDS>>>, stressed the urgency of the 2030 target and called for media support to combat stigma. The strategy shifts from donor-dependent models to align with Nigeria>>>'s national 'Alignment 2.0' agenda, emphasizing local ownership and community-led execution.