This partnership seeks to improve access to reliable HIV testing, encourage domestic manufacturing of HIV diagnostic reagents, and support Nigeria's efforts in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS, thereby promoting greater healthcare self-sufficiency.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), announced this development on Wednesday in Abuja, coinciding with WONDFO's donation of 4,000 HIV test kits in anticipation of World AIDS Day.
“The WONDFO community recently in China signed a MoU with feedback on unlocking the value chain initiative of President Tinubu, to ensure that we have domestic production of the reagent of the test kits and other HIV commodities.
“I want to commend you for this initiative, and we look forward to seeing your domestic plants here in Nigeria,” she stated.
She conveyed her appreciation to WONDFO for the donated supplies, highlighting that this initiative would contribute significantly to the efforts aimed at eradicating the AIDS epidemic in Nigeria.
“This will ensure that individuals can actually test for HIV, even in the comfort of their homes, We are happy to have this kit with us, and we want to assure you that we’re going to give it judicious use,” she said.
Mr. Bravo Ouhabru, the Country Representative for WONDFO, highlighted that the introduction of both self-testing and professional use test kits will significantly bolster healthcare initiatives and support HIV prevention strategies in Nigeria.
This initiative is part of WONDFO's collaboration with NACA in preparation for the 2024 World AIDS Day, aiming to promote accurate testing, raise awareness about HIV status, and contribute to the goal of eradicating the epidemic by 2030.
Ouhabru pointed out that a significant number of individuals are still unaware of their HIV status, stating, “A negative test result today does not guarantee a negative status in the future. It is crucial that we persist in our efforts to raise awareness and encourage everyone to know their status.”
He emphasized the importance of knowing one’s HIV status as a foundational step, noting that once individuals are aware, they can more effectively engage with other aspects of HIV management.
To enhance accessibility, WONDFO intends to provide subsidized test kits through private pharmacies, facilitating at-home testing and enabling individuals to seek prompt medical assistance when necessary.
“Understanding one’s HIV status is the initial step toward effective management and prevention, allowing both individuals and healthcare providers to take timely and appropriate actions,” he stressed.
Types of HIV Diagnostic Kits
Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): These kits are the most frequently utilized for HIV testing, delivering results in just 15 to 30 minutes. RDTs are particularly suited for point-of-care testing and are commonly found in clinics, mobile testing units, and community health centers.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Kits: These laboratory-based kits are employed for confirmatory testing. They identify antibodies to HIV and are known for their high sensitivity, although they necessitate more time and specialized laboratory equipment.
Nigeria faces one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, despite advancements in reducing its impact. The current prevalence rate stands at approximately 1.3% of the population, with young individuals aged 15 to 24 being especially at risk. The nation is home to around 1.8 million individuals living with HIV, with varying prevalence rates across different states. For instance, Akwa Ibom and Benue exhibit higher rates compared to other regions.