Silent Struggles: The Fight Against HIV/AIDS in Gombe
By AHMAD AUWAL UMAR
In the heart of northeastern Nigeria lies Gombe, a state known for its vibrant culture and resilient people. However, beneath the surface of everyday life, there is a silent struggle that has impacted countless lives: the fight against HIV/AIDS.
For years, HIV/AIDS has been a significant public health challenge in Gombe, as it has been across much of sub-Saharan Africa. The virus, which attacks the immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has claimed many lives, leaving behind a trail of broken families and communities grappling with loss.
The Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP) has successfully overseen the provision of HIV care and treatment in Gombe State for the past 13 years, from 2011 to 2024. This significant achievement follows the earlier efforts of its parent organisation, ICAP, at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, which led similar initiatives in the state from 2007 to 2011.
Through CIHP’s steadfast dedication, Gombe State has surpassed the UNAIDS 95-95 target, a critical milestone in achieving epidemic control. The target focusses on diagnosing 95% of all HIV-positive individuals, providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to 95% of those diagnosed, and achieving viral suppression in 95% of those treated. This success marks a significant victory in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
CIHP’s commitment extends beyond this milestone, as the organisation continues to strengthen service delivery across various healthcare fronts in Gombe State. Their efforts encompass 24 comprehensive healthcare facilities, 37 sites dedicated to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and TB/HIV services, and three community-based organisations (CBOs). These initiatives are designed to sustainably deliver high-quality ART services to both community members and healthcare facilities across the state.
The comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, and care services provided by CIHP from 2007 to 2024 were made possible through funding from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) via the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As the project has concluded, CIHP transitioned to the Society for Family Health on August 20, 2024. This transition marks a new chapter in Gombe State’s ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, with a continued focus on delivering comprehensive, sustainable healthcare solutions for all affected individuals.
During the ceremony marking this transition, the Chief Executive Officer of CIHP, Dr. Bolanle Oyeledun, paid a visit to the state deputy governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, in his office, along with the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, and the Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. A party was also organised for orphans and vulnerable children to celebrate the program.
During her visit to the deputy governor’s office, he commended the organisation for its efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS in the state. Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau stated that health is the cornerstone of all progress, declaring it the foundation upon which every other achievement is built. He reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to prioritising healthcare, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other epidemics in the state.
The Deputy Governor lauded CIHP for its invaluable contributions to the state’s health sector, particularly in HIV/AIDS prevention, maternal and child health, and healthcare capacity building. Highlighting the significant strides made in reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence, Dr. Jatau noted Gombe’s progress from being one of the states with the highest infection rates in Nigeria to achieving remarkable improvements.
Dr. Jatau also stressed the importance of sustained efforts in healthcare, urging donor partners to establish local laboratories for developing affordable herbal treatments. He called on policymakers to address cultural and psychological barriers to healthcare access, reiterating that health remains the foundation of any developmental progress.
Dr. Habu Dahiru, the State’s Commissioner of Health, also spoke, praising CIHP’s contributions, particularly in capacity building, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and the improvement of healthcare infrastructure across the state. He emphasised the importance of sustainability in healthcare and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
He expressed gratitude for the support of global partners, including PEPFAR, the US CDC, and ICAP (from the University of Columbia), among others, and acknowledged their role in advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
Dr. Dahiru assured attendees that the legacy of CIHP’s work will be preserved and enhanced under the stewardship of the Society for Family Health (SFH), 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 relentless dedication and partnership, leaving behind a lasting impact on the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria,” he stated.
“As the program transitions to SFH, 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.”
Speaking during the visit and at the transition ceremony, Dr. Bolanle Oyeledun, the CEO of CIHP, commended the partnership between CIHP and the Gombe State government, celebrating the state as one of only three in Nigeria to achieve epidemic control, with over 95% of those in need of testing having been reached. She noted that CIHP’s efforts have tested over two million people and provided life-saving treatment to 26,000 individuals, significantly curbing the spread of HIV in the state.
Dr. Oyeledun also highlighted the program’s success in rehabilitating healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers, and screening thousands of pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, ensuring healthier futures for countless children. She emphasised the importance of sustainability in building on the progress made to further enhance healthcare delivery in Gombe State.
She also highlighted the significant impact CIHP has had on the community, stating that the organisation has rehabilitated numerous primary and secondary health facilities, trained healthcare workers, and screened over 13,000 pregnant mothers, with 235 individuals receiving treatment.
“Today, as we transition our program to new partners, we do so with immense pride in what we have achieved together,” Dr. Oyeledun remarked.
“Thousands of lives have been saved, and the spread of HIV has been drastically reduced. Gombe is now one of the three states in Nigeria to have achieved epidemic control.”
She further elaborated on the success of the program, noting that over one million pregnant women have been tested for HIV, with those testing positive receiving treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission, ensuring healthier futures for countless children.
Speaking to Our Nigeria News Magazine at the event, Fatima Ali, a 32-year-old mother of three, shared her experience. Her story is one of both heartbreak and hope. Fatima contracted HIV from her late husband, who was unaware of his status until it was too late. When he passed away, Fatima was left to care for their children alone, all while managing her own health.
“I felt like the world was closing in on me,” Fatima recalls. “I didn’t know where to turn or how to cope with the stigma.”
Stigma has been one of the most significant obstacles in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Many people, out of fear of discrimination, choose to remain silent about their status, avoiding testing and treatment. This silence has allowed the virus to spread unchecked in some areas, as individuals unknowingly pass it on to others.
Presentation of the “distinguished leadership award” to the Emir of Funakaye in Gombe State, Alhaji Yakubu Kwairanga, at dinner night during the CIHP 17-year project close-out ceremony
Despite these challenges, Gombe has seen progress in its efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. CIHP and local government and non-governmental organisations have been working tirelessly to raise awareness, provide education, and improve access to treatment. Through this program, Fatima found the support she needed. She was able to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps to suppress the virus and allows those living with HIV to lead healthier lives. The program also provided her with counselling and connected her with support groups, where she met others facing similar challenges.
“I learnt that I wasn’t alone,” Fatima says with a smile. “There were others who understood what I was going through, and together, we found strength.”
Education has also been a critical component of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Gombe. Schools, religious institutions, and community leaders have been involved in spreading awareness about the importance of safe practices and regular testing. Youth are taught about prevention, and there is a growing emphasis on gender equality and empowerment, recognising that women and girls are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. The prevalence of HIV in Gombe, though lower than in some other parts of Nigeria, remains a concern. Rural areas, where access to healthcare is limited, are particularly vulnerable. The state continues to face challenges in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, has access to the care they need.
However, stories like Fatima’s offer hope. Through resilience, education, and community support, the people of Gombe are gradually turning the tide against HIV/AIDS. There is a growing sense of awareness and responsibility, and more people are stepping forward to get tested and receive treatment.
Fatima now works as a peer educator, helping others in her community understand the importance of knowing their status and seeking treatment if needed. She has become a beacon of hope, showing that life with HIV is not a death sentence but a call to live with courage and determination.
“I want people to know that there is life after an HIV diagnosis,” Fatima says. “With the right support and treatment, we can live long, healthy lives. We can raise our children, work, and contribute to our communities. We can overcome this together.”
As Gombe continues its fight against HIV/AIDS, the stories of individuals like Fatima remind us that progress is possible, and with continued effort, the silent struggles of today can become the success stories of tomorrow.