Alarm Raised: Rising Advanced HIV Cases Threaten Nigerian Children Amid Stigma and Poor Awareness
Health experts are raising alarm over the rising cases of Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) among children and adolescents in Nigeria, warning that gaps in awareness, stigma, and limited access to diagnostics are putting young lives at serious risk. Findings from the IMPAACT4HIV Consortium, covering Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and Gombe states, highlight the urgent need for child-focused protection and safeguarding measures in HIV care.
Dr. Ramat Garra, Executive Director of Support for Women and Teenage Children, emphasized that many AHD cases could be prevented with early detection and treatment. The research revealed that caregivers and community members often lack basic knowledge of the disease or its warning signs, delaying medical intervention until children’s conditions become critical. In Rivers State, for example, over 60% of community participants demonstrated little understanding of AHD, while in Kano, many caregivers reported never being informed about the condition.
Stigma was identified as a major barrier to safeguarding children’s health. Adolescents often discontinue treatment to avoid being seen at clinics, and parents sometimes delay disclosing their children’s HIV status, exacerbating the progression of the disease. In Gombe State, stigma-driven reliance on herbal remedies reportedly contributed to deaths over the past year.
The study also highlighted critical gaps in diagnostic capacity and treatment availability, with shortages of essential tests and medications putting children at further risk. Experts called for dedicated policies on AHD, adolescent-friendly HIV services, consistent supply of diagnostics, and integration of AHD screening into broader child health programs.
They stressed that protecting children from preventable deaths requires not only medical intervention but also community education, reduction of stigma, and strong safeguarding frameworks to ensure every child living with HIV can access timely care and support.
