Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano; Joel Ubandoma Rimmande; Babylon Philemon

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13

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Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano, Joel Ubandoma Rimmande, Babylon Philemon

Published in International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science (Volume 9, Issue 1)

Received: 14 March 2023 Accepted: 4 April 2023 Published: 20 April 2023

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Abstract

Nigeria has waded through the HIV/AIDS epidemic for more than 35 years now since 1986. Response efforts are down-grading the epidemic from a peak of 5.8% prevalence in 2010 to a decline of 1.4% prevalence in 2019. Nigeria is desirous of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but the terrain is challenged by bleak economic outlook and socio-political shocks that impose vulnerability including insurgency. This study explores the feasibility of Nigeria ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by the year 2030, applying evaluation, management by objective (MBO), content analysis and the deductive model to assess early stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria for the period 2006 - 2011. Secondary data were collected comprising summary of client flow activities of all 117 VCT centers in the State. Content analysis and deductive model were applied on the data to derive lessons learnt. The study found that: (i) VCT services were beneficial to about 1.9% of the State population, though with gross capacity under-utilization of VCT centers at 2.7 clients/day and the under-utilization of counselors at 0.6 clients served/day arising from low client flow; (ii) counseling process was effective and efficient in persuading consent to test; (iii) routine and mass HIV testing were cost-effective in detecting HIV positive sero-status; (iv) the synergy arising from counseling, testing and referral effectively mobilized Persons Living with HIV/AIDS for improved knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) including formation of support groups averaging approximately 2 support groups per Local Government Area. The study recommends that VCT be adapted to a universal counseling and testing paradigm that includes, among others, outreach counseling and testing sessions, on-line counseling, and help-line supported self-testing. The study concludes that with necessary adjustment in counseling and testing, as well as necessary adjustments in other HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services, the objective of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria by 2030 will be attained.

Published in	International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science (Volume 9, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13
Page(s)	20-24
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Client Flow, Disease Prevalence, Epidemic Response, HIV/AIDS, Nigeria, PLWHA Support-Group, SDGs, VCT

References

[1]	UNAIDS (2019). New Survey Result Indicates That Nigeria Has HIV Prevalence of 1.4%. Press Release, March 14, 2019. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). UNAIDS: un-paged. https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2019/march/20190314_nigeria. Accessed September 14, 2022 @ 16.00 WAT.
[2]	UN (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goals (2015). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The United Nations (UN). https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda Accessed December 19, 2021 @ 11.05 WAT.
[3]	FMoH (2010). Technical Report 2010. National HIV Sero-prevalence Sentinel Survey Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Nigeria. Abuja: Department of Public Health, National AIDS/STI Control Program. Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH).
[4]	NACA (2022). From the Darkest of Days to a New Dawn. 35 Years of the Nigerian Response to HIV and AIDS. Abuja: National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), 2022. https://naca.gov.ng/35-years-of-the-nigerian-response-to-hiv-and-aids/ Accessed September 14, 2022 @ 16.30 WAT.
[5]	NACA (2022 b). NACA Coordinates HIV Activities in Nigeria. HIV/AIDS Factsheet. Abuja: National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). https://naca.gov.ng Accessed September 13, 2022 @ 20.15 WAT.
[6]	NESG (2021). Review of the Nigerian Economy in 2020 and Key Priorities for 2021 and Beyond. NESG Research. EPR Journal HI 2021. Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). Retrieved from African Journals Online. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/epr/article/view/217900/205508 Accessed September 15, 2022 @ 22.12 WAT.
[7]	World Bank (2020). Nigeria’s Economy Faces Worst Recession in Four Decades, Says New World Bank Report. Press Release June 26, 2020. The World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/06/25/nigerias-economy-faces-worst-recession-in-four-decades-says-new-world-bank-report Accessed September 18, 2022 @ 00.25 WAT.
[8]	Akani N (2019). Implications and Effects of Insurgency and Counter-insurgency in Nigeria. (2019). Retrieved from RESEARCHGATE @ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336653390_IMPLICATIONS_AND_EFFECS_OF_INSURGENCY_AND_COUNTER-INSURGENCY_IN_NIGERIA. Accessed September 18, 2022 by 0.40 WAT
[9]	FMoH (2003). Training Manual on HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services in Nigeria 2003. Lagos: Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH).
[10]	FMoH (2003 b). National Guidelines for HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counseling and Testing. Lagos: Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH).
[11]	Armstrong-Mensah EA, Tetteh AK, Ofori E and Ekhosuehi O. (2022). Voluntary Counseling and Testing, Antiretroviral Therapy Access, and HIV-related Stigma: Global Progress and Challenges. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022 19 (11), 6597. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116597
[12]	NAPHAM (2012). People Living With HIV Support Group Manual: NAPHAM’s Practical Guide for Successful Support Group Formation, Management and Activities. March 2012. National Association of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Malawi (NAPHAM). http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PAOOK456.pdf Accessed October 6, 2022 @ 4.20 WAT.
[13]	Doherty F (2022). Joining a Support Group is Vital for HIV/AIDS Victims – Doherty. Vanguard, March 4, 2022. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/03/joing-a-support-group-is-vital-for-hivaids-victims-doherty/ Accessed October 6, 2022 @ 4.10 WAT.
[14]	Mazambara F, Chagwena D, Mudzviti T, Sithole S, Monera-Penduka T, Maponga CC, and Morse GD (2022). Utility of HIV Support Groups in Advancing Implementation Research in Resource-limited Settings: Experience From an Urban-setting HIV Support Group in Zimbabwe. AIDS Research and Therapy 19, 7 2022. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-022-00431-w
[15]	GhAIN (2007). Nigeria’s President Leads by Example, Goes for HIV Counseling and Testing. GhAINing Ground. A Newsletter of the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative Nigeria (GhAIN). April 2007. Abuja: GhAIN.
[16]	O’Neill PH (2022). Apple and Google are Building Coronavirus Tracking into IOS and Android. Tech Policy. MIT Technology Review, April 10, 2022. https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/04/10/999213/apple-and-google-are-building-coronavirus-tracking-into-ios-and-android/ Accessed October 9, 2022 @ 04.50 WAT.
[17]	Mitra S and Globerman J (2014). Rapid Response Service. Online Counseling and Support Groups for People Living With or Affected by HIV/AIDS. Toronto, ON: Ontario HIV Treatment Network; April 2014. https://www.ohtm.on.ca/online-counseling-and-support-groups-for-people-living-with-or-affected-by-hivaids/ Accessed October 7, 2022 @ 13.20 WAT.
[18]	Owoseye A (2019). Nigerian Government Approves HIV Self-test Kit. PREMIUM Times Nigeria. April 12, 2019. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/325180-nigerian-govt-approves-hiv-self-test-kit.html Accessed October 6, 2022 @ 16.40 WAT.

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APA Style

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano, Joel Ubandoma Rimmande, Babylon Philemon. (2023). Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030. International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science, 9(1), 20-24. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13

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ACS Style

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano; Joel Ubandoma Rimmande; Babylon Philemon. Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030. Int. J. HIV/AIDS Prev. Educ. Behav. Sci. 2023, 9(1), 20-24. doi: 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13

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AMA Style

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano, Joel Ubandoma Rimmande, Babylon Philemon. Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030. Int J HIV/AIDS Prev Educ Behav Sci. 2023;9(1):20-24. doi: 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13,
  author = {Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano and Joel Ubandoma Rimmande and Babylon Philemon},
  title = {Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030},
  journal = {International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {20-24},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijhpebs.20230901.13},
  abstract = {Nigeria has waded through the HIV/AIDS epidemic for more than 35 years now since 1986. Response efforts are down-grading the epidemic from a peak of 5.8% prevalence in 2010 to a decline of 1.4% prevalence in 2019. Nigeria is desirous of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but the terrain is challenged by bleak economic outlook and socio-political shocks that impose vulnerability including insurgency. This study explores the feasibility of Nigeria ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by the year 2030, applying evaluation, management by objective (MBO), content analysis and the deductive model to assess early stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria for the period 2006 - 2011. Secondary data were collected comprising summary of client flow activities of all 117 VCT centers in the State. Content analysis and deductive model were applied on the data to derive lessons learnt. The study found that: (i) VCT services were beneficial to about 1.9% of the State population, though with gross capacity under-utilization of VCT centers at 2.7 clients/day and the under-utilization of counselors at 0.6 clients served/day arising from low client flow; (ii) counseling process was effective and efficient in persuading consent to test; (iii) routine and mass HIV testing were cost-effective in detecting HIV positive sero-status; (iv) the synergy arising from counseling, testing and referral effectively mobilized Persons Living with HIV/AIDS for improved knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) including formation of support groups averaging approximately 2 support groups per Local Government Area. The study recommends that VCT be adapted to a universal counseling and testing paradigm that includes, among others, outreach counseling and testing sessions, on-line counseling, and help-line supported self-testing. The study concludes that with necessary adjustment in counseling and testing, as well as necessary adjustments in other HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services, the objective of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria by 2030 will be attained.},
 year = {2023}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030
AU  - Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano
AU  - Joel Ubandoma Rimmande
AU  - Babylon Philemon
Y1  - 2023/04/20
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13
T2  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
JF  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
JO  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
SP  - 20
EP  - 24
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5765
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13
AB  - Nigeria has waded through the HIV/AIDS epidemic for more than 35 years now since 1986. Response efforts are down-grading the epidemic from a peak of 5.8% prevalence in 2010 to a decline of 1.4% prevalence in 2019. Nigeria is desirous of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but the terrain is challenged by bleak economic outlook and socio-political shocks that impose vulnerability including insurgency. This study explores the feasibility of Nigeria ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by the year 2030, applying evaluation, management by objective (MBO), content analysis and the deductive model to assess early stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria for the period 2006 - 2011. Secondary data were collected comprising summary of client flow activities of all 117 VCT centers in the State. Content analysis and deductive model were applied on the data to derive lessons learnt. The study found that: (i) VCT services were beneficial to about 1.9% of the State population, though with gross capacity under-utilization of VCT centers at 2.7 clients/day and the under-utilization of counselors at 0.6 clients served/day arising from low client flow; (ii) counseling process was effective and efficient in persuading consent to test; (iii) routine and mass HIV testing were cost-effective in detecting HIV positive sero-status; (iv) the synergy arising from counseling, testing and referral effectively mobilized Persons Living with HIV/AIDS for improved knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) including formation of support groups averaging approximately 2 support groups per Local Government Area. The study recommends that VCT be adapted to a universal counseling and testing paradigm that includes, among others, outreach counseling and testing sessions, on-line counseling, and help-line supported self-testing. The study concludes that with necessary adjustment in counseling and testing, as well as necessary adjustments in other HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services, the objective of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria by 2030 will be attained.
VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano

Department of Environmental Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Joel Ubandoma Rimmande

Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria
Babylon Philemon

Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria

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APA Style

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano, Joel Ubandoma Rimmande, Babylon Philemon. (2023). Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030. International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science, 9(1), 20-24. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13

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ACS Style

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano; Joel Ubandoma Rimmande; Babylon Philemon. Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030. Int. J. HIV/AIDS Prev. Educ. Behav. Sci. 2023, 9(1), 20-24. doi: 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13

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AMA Style

Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano, Joel Ubandoma Rimmande, Babylon Philemon. Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030. Int J HIV/AIDS Prev Educ Behav Sci. 2023;9(1):20-24. doi: 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13,
  author = {Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano and Joel Ubandoma Rimmande and Babylon Philemon},
  title = {Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030},
  journal = {International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {20-24},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijhpebs.20230901.13},
  abstract = {Nigeria has waded through the HIV/AIDS epidemic for more than 35 years now since 1986. Response efforts are down-grading the epidemic from a peak of 5.8% prevalence in 2010 to a decline of 1.4% prevalence in 2019. Nigeria is desirous of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but the terrain is challenged by bleak economic outlook and socio-political shocks that impose vulnerability including insurgency. This study explores the feasibility of Nigeria ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by the year 2030, applying evaluation, management by objective (MBO), content analysis and the deductive model to assess early stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria for the period 2006 - 2011. Secondary data were collected comprising summary of client flow activities of all 117 VCT centers in the State. Content analysis and deductive model were applied on the data to derive lessons learnt. The study found that: (i) VCT services were beneficial to about 1.9% of the State population, though with gross capacity under-utilization of VCT centers at 2.7 clients/day and the under-utilization of counselors at 0.6 clients served/day arising from low client flow; (ii) counseling process was effective and efficient in persuading consent to test; (iii) routine and mass HIV testing were cost-effective in detecting HIV positive sero-status; (iv) the synergy arising from counseling, testing and referral effectively mobilized Persons Living with HIV/AIDS for improved knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) including formation of support groups averaging approximately 2 support groups per Local Government Area. The study recommends that VCT be adapted to a universal counseling and testing paradigm that includes, among others, outreach counseling and testing sessions, on-line counseling, and help-line supported self-testing. The study concludes that with necessary adjustment in counseling and testing, as well as necessary adjustments in other HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services, the objective of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria by 2030 will be attained.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030
AU  - Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano
AU  - Joel Ubandoma Rimmande
AU  - Babylon Philemon
Y1  - 2023/04/20
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13
T2  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
JF  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
JO  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
SP  - 20
EP  - 24
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5765
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20230901.13
AB  - Nigeria has waded through the HIV/AIDS epidemic for more than 35 years now since 1986. Response efforts are down-grading the epidemic from a peak of 5.8% prevalence in 2010 to a decline of 1.4% prevalence in 2019. Nigeria is desirous of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but the terrain is challenged by bleak economic outlook and socio-political shocks that impose vulnerability including insurgency. This study explores the feasibility of Nigeria ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by the year 2030, applying evaluation, management by objective (MBO), content analysis and the deductive model to assess early stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria for the period 2006 - 2011. Secondary data were collected comprising summary of client flow activities of all 117 VCT centers in the State. Content analysis and deductive model were applied on the data to derive lessons learnt. The study found that: (i) VCT services were beneficial to about 1.9% of the State population, though with gross capacity under-utilization of VCT centers at 2.7 clients/day and the under-utilization of counselors at 0.6 clients served/day arising from low client flow; (ii) counseling process was effective and efficient in persuading consent to test; (iii) routine and mass HIV testing were cost-effective in detecting HIV positive sero-status; (iv) the synergy arising from counseling, testing and referral effectively mobilized Persons Living with HIV/AIDS for improved knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) including formation of support groups averaging approximately 2 support groups per Local Government Area. The study recommends that VCT be adapted to a universal counseling and testing paradigm that includes, among others, outreach counseling and testing sessions, on-line counseling, and help-line supported self-testing. The study concludes that with necessary adjustment in counseling and testing, as well as necessary adjustments in other HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services, the objective of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria by 2030 will be attained.
VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

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