The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has urged the Federal Government to support the acquisition of medications for its members suffering from kidney disease.

Mr. Patrick Akpan, the Lagos Coordinator, expressed this request during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, coinciding with World AIDS Day.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, compromises the immune system, while acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) represents the most severe stage of the infection.

Individuals living with HIV/AIDS face a heightened risk of developing kidney disease and related complications.

The virus can lead to kidney failure through a condition known as HIV-Associated Nephropathy (HIVAN), which involves the infection of kidney cells.

Additionally, antiretroviral medications (ARVs), which are essential for managing HIV and its associated health challenges, can also contribute to kidney issues.

Akpan highlighted the challenges in accessing medications specifically designed for individuals with HIV/AIDS who experience renal complications, emphasizing that these drugs are gentler on the kidneys.

“Access to the medicine has been a problem for our members because that drug is not sponsored by international companies for people living with HIV/AIDS.

“The drug is expensive and not readily available. It costs around N60,000 for one month of usage, a price which most of our members cannot afford,” he said.

Access to the medicine has posed a challenge for our members, as it lacks sponsorship from international companies that support individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

The high cost of the drug, approximately N60,000 for a month’s supply, further exacerbates the issue, making it unaffordable for the majority of our members.

“The issue is that the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Lagos State University (LUTH), will make sure that they know the condition of your kidney before administering medicines.

“They don’t conduct the kidney and liver function tests on our members who pick their antiretroviral medicines at state-owned health facilities.

“And not even that alone, the amount of money spent by members who do these tests within most of the state hospitals is around N12,500 for liver and kidney function tests.

“So, N12,500 is not easy for so many of them who are indigent,” he said.

He proposed that state health insurance should encompass the costs associated with regular kidney and liver function tests, thereby increasing the number of individuals enrolled in health insurance plans.

He highlighted that in Lagos, 120,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS are currently undergoing antiretroviral therapy, with 8,000 of them being members of NEPWHAN.

Akpan noted that 6,000 NEPWHAN members are presently enrolled in the state health insurance program.

He emphasized the need for intensified efforts to address HIV-related stigma, which continues to hinder access to essential services.

Akpan underscored the importance of collaborative initiatives to meet the 2030 goals for eliminating HIV both in Nigeria and worldwide.

World AIDS Day, observed every year on December 1, aims to bring together the global community to honor those who have succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses and to advocate for ongoing advancements in HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

This year's theme is “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” which serves as a call to action for accessible, rights-based healthcare that empowers individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 39.9 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with 1.3 million new infections reported in 2023, significantly surpassing the 2025 target of fewer than 370,000.

The health agency also reports that approximately 21.3 million individuals in Africa are currently receiving antiretroviral treatment, which has improved their life expectancy.

According to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), there are two million Nigerians living with HIV, with 1.6 million receiving treatment.