More than two million people are reported to have benefited from HIV/AIDS testing, treatment and counselling services in Gombe State.
Bolanle Oyeledun, executive director of the Centre for Integrated Health Programme (CIHP), said this on Tuesday at an event marking the transition of CIHP to a new partner organisation, Family Health International (FHI).
Mr Oyeledun said CIHP had a significant impact in Gombe by rehabilitating primary and secondary health facilities, training health workers and screening more than 13,000 pregnant mothers and treating 235 patients.
“Today, as we transition our program to new partners, we do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together,” said Mr. Oyeledun.
“Thousands of lives have been saved and the spread of HIV has been drastically reduced. Gombe is now one of only three states in Nigeria that have successfully brought the epidemic under control.”
She said more than a million pregnant women have been tested for HIV, and those who tested positive have received treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission, “ensuring a healthier future for countless children.”
In his remarks at the event, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Habu Dahiru, commended CIHP’s contributions, particularly in capacity building, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and improving healthcare infrastructure in the state.
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Thanking global partners including the Global Fund, the Nigeria Country Office and the University of Ibadan, Mr. Dahiru acknowledged their role in advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
He said CIHP's achievements will be preserved and enhanced under FHI's stewardship, with a continued focus on sustaining progress in HIV prevention and management.
“This event is not just a farewell, but a celebration of 17 years of tireless dedication and collaboration, which have left a lasting impact on the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
“As the programme transitions to FHI, the commitment to providing vital HIV/AIDS services in Gombe State remains steadfast, ensuring that the progress made over the past 17 years will continue to thrive,” the Commissioner said.