By Abdulkareem Haruna

On this World HIV Day, as the global community comes together to raise awareness and commemorate the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the story of Aliya, a young woman living in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in remote communities and conflict settings.

Aliya’s harrowing experience underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to remain vigilant in addressing the spread of HIV/AIDS in these vulnerable populations.

Aliya’s voice trembles with emotion as she recounts her journey. “I never thought I would be affected by this disease,” she says, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and resilience. Aliya’s life took a tragic turn when conflict forced her family to flee their home, leaving them with no choice but to seek refuge in an overcrowded IDP camp in Borno. The camp’s dire conditions and limited access to healthcare meant that Aliya, like many others, faced insurmountable challenges in maintaining her health and well-being.

“I was deprived of everything – proper nutrition, healthcare, and even basic information about HIV/AIDS,” Aliya laments. In the midst of the turmoil, Aliya’s vulnerability to HIV infection grew, and she soon found herself facing a diagnosis that would change her life forever. “I never knew that I could be at risk, but the harsh reality of our circumstances made me realize that no one is immune,” she reflects, her voice filled with a mix of regret and determination.

Aliya’s story is not unusual. Across Nigeria, countless individuals in remote communities and conflict settings face similar struggles, battling the twin challenges of displacement and the threat of HIV/AIDS. The latest estimates from 2023 Spectrum reveal a staggering 1,910,405 people living with HIV in Nigeria, with a national prevalence of 2.1% among adults aged 15–49 years. These statistics paint a sobering picture of the battle against HIV/AIDS, especially in regions grappling with conflict and displacement.

The prevalence of HIV in Nigeria varies starkly by state, with certain regions bearing a disproportionately heavy burden. In states like Borno, where Aliya’s story unfolds, the challenges are compounded by the effects of conflict, displacement, and limited access to healthcare. The prevalence of HIV in remote and conflict-affected communities underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and sustained vigilance to prevent the further spread of the virus.

As the world commemorates World HIV Day and reaffirms its commitment to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 Fast Track Strategy, Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its battle against HIV/AIDS. The global target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, as part of the Sustainable Development Goal 3.3, demands unwavering commitment and concerted action. Nigeria must heed the call to action and prioritize the unique needs of individuals like Aliya, ensuring that they are not left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

In remote communities and conflict settings, the lack of access to healthcare services, including HIV testing, treatment, and prevention programs, poses a significant barrier to addressing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Stigma, misinformation, and the breakdown of infrastructure further exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, creating fertile ground for the transmission of the virus.

To confront these challenges, Nigeria must redouble its efforts to expand access to testing and treatment, raise awareness, and address the social and economic determinants that contribute to vulnerability. It is imperative to implement tailored interventions that take into account the unique circumstances of remote communities and conflict settings, ensuring that vital healthcare services reach those who need them the most.

The prevalence rates of HIV in Nigeria’s states paint a concerning picture, with Benue, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Taraba emerging as the top five states with the highest prevalence. These regions, like many others, require targeted and sustained efforts to address the complex web of challenges that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS. By focusing on these areas, Nigeria can make significant strides in curbing the epidemic and preventing further transmission of the virus.

As Nigeria marks World HIV Day, the nation must renew its commitment to providing comprehensive support and care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in remote communities and conflict settings. Access to antiretroviral therapy, counseling, and support services is essential in ensuring that those affected by the virus can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Additionally, efforts to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and promote education and awareness are crucial in empowering individuals to seek testing and treatment without fear of discrimination.

The global community’s goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 is within reach, but it demands unwavering dedication and a laser focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Nigeria has the opportunity to lead the charge in this endeavor, setting an example for the world by prioritizing the health and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of their circumstances.

As Aliya’s story illustrates, the fight against HIV/AIDS in remote communities and conflict settings is as much a battle for dignity, equality, and human rights as it is a medical challenge. By amplifying the voices of those who have been marginalized and underserved, Nigeria can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system that leaves no one behind.

On this World HIV Day, let us heed Aliya’s call and reaffirm our commitment to standing with the most vulnerable among us. Nigeria must not lose sight of its watch over the issue of HIV/AIDS, especially in remote communities and conflict settings. The lives and well-being of millions of individuals depend on our collective resolve to confront this challenge head-on and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.