Aproko Doctor’s claims about Nigeria’s HIV status were inaccurate. Nigeria is fourth globally with 2 million cases, not second. Current new infections are about 75,000, significantly lower than the claimed 200,000. US funding cuts pose a threat to healthcare, urging the need for improved domestic financing.
A recent claim by Nigerian healthcare influencer Aproko Doctor asserted that Nigeria ranked second in the world for HIV cases. However, Nigeria is actually fourth, with approximately 2 million HIV-positive individuals in 2023. The countries ahead of Nigeria include South Africa, India, and Mozambique, according to UNAids data, which notes a total of 39.9 million people living with HIV globally.
The influencer also mentioned that Nigeria has 200,000 new HIV infections annually, a statistic outdated by over a decade. Current estimates for 2023 indicate that new infections have more than halved to approximately 75,000, as per the latest UNAids report. Previous years recorded similar reductions, with 74,000 new infections in 2021 and 86,000 in 2020.
Cuts to US aid, particularly from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which has funded about 90% of Nigeria’s HIV treatment, have raised concerns over the sustainability of healthcare provisions. Since its inception in 2003, Pepfar has contributed USD 7.8 billion to HIV care in Nigeria.
Dr. Chinonso Egemba, known as Aproko Doctor, called for Nigeria to reinforce its healthcare infrastructure, recognizing the threat posed by funding decreases. Public health experts agree, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to enhance domestic financing of healthcare initiatives to reduce dependence on external funding.
While Nigeria is among eight nations at risk of depleting its HIV medication supplies, there are plans for the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (Naca) to begin local production of HIV drugs and test kits within the year. This initiative may help stabilize the country’s healthcare system amid funding uncertainties.
Furthermore, outdated data circulating on social media, such as an inaccurate claim from a 2015 UNICEF report reflecting 190,950 annual infections, can lead to misinformation. Public health experts caution that both exaggerated and underreported information can adversely affect public health behaviors and trust in health institutions, especially in a context rife with skepticism towards government agencies.
In conclusion, Aproko Doctor’s claims about Nigeria’s HIV statistics were not only incorrect but also based on outdated information. With UNAids reporting approximately 75,000 new infections in 2023 and Nigeria positioned fourth globally by case numbers, the need for updated data dissemination is evident. The reliance on external funding for HIV treatment further underscores the urgency for Nigeria to bolster its domestic healthcare financing and production capabilities.
Original Source: africacheck.org
