By Milcah Tanimu

A recent study conducted by the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), in collaboration with Washington University and the University of North Carolina, reveals a remarkable surge in HIV testing rates among young Nigerians. Over the course of two years, the percentage of young Nigerians undergoing HIV testing has soared from 7% to an impressive 80%, thanks to the utilization of HIV self-testing kits.

Professor Oliver Ezechi, Director of Research at NIMR and the Principal Investigator of the study called Innovative Tools to Expand HIV Self Testing (ITEST), shared these findings during the Close-Out celebration of the 4 Youth By Youth initiative in Lagos. The study, which commenced in 2018 with funding from the National Institute of Health, aimed to explore the increased adoption of HIV self-testing among Nigerians.

Ezechi highlighted the alarming prevalence of HIV among the country’s youth, cautioning that without effective control measures, the future of Nigeria, with over 65 million youths, could be at risk. The study involved collaboration with 60 youth research facilitators across 32 local governments, with more than 90% of participants followed up for 24 months.

The research revealed a substantial shift in the perception of HIV testing, with youths expressing a preference for self-testing in the privacy of their homes. The success of the project has led to the integration of HIV self-testing into national guidelines and increased accessibility, with kits now available in pharmacies and chemists at more affordable prices.

The study also brought attention to the correlation between drug use and risky behaviors, emphasizing the potential for HIV transmission among young people engaging in such activities. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and education to address these risk factors.

Prof. Juliet Iwelunmor from Washington University highlighted the progress made, with testing rates among young Nigerians now exceeding 80%. The unexpected discovery of a significant number of youths using drugs during the study raised concerns about the potential impact on HIV transmission, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.

The ITEST project aims to contribute to Nigeria’s goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation by 2030 by increasing awareness of HIV status among the youth and ensuring those living with HIV receive appropriate care and support. The involvement of youth ambassadors in various states is seen as a strategy to sustain the positive momentum achieved by the project.

Stakeholders, including the Director General of NIMR, Prof Babatunde Salako, the CEO of Lagos State AIDS Control Programme, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, and representatives from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, expressed their commitment to adopting and implementing the study’s findings to promote HIV prevention and testing among Nigerian youths.