Breaking News: FG Offers Free Liver and Kidney Tests to HIV Patients

The Federal Government has announced a significant initiative to provide People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) access to free annual liver and kidney function tests through expanded health insurance coverage. This move is part of the government’s efforts to improve the health outcomes of PLHIV and reduce the burden of the disease

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made the announcement during the commemoration of the 2025 World AIDS Day in Abuja. The theme of the event was “Overcoming disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV response.” Salako emphasized the importance of integrating HIV, TB, malaria, nutrition, and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme in Nigeria as one service that can be accessed in one location at any point in time

– The free liver and kidney function tests are part of the expanded health insurance coverage for PLHIV.
– The government is working towards full integration of HIV, TB, malaria, nutrition, and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme in Nigeria.
– The integrated approach will ensure that children and adolescents can access multiple essential services during a single visit, improving health outcomes.
– The consent age for voluntary HIV counselling and testing has been reduced from 18 to 14 years to increase testing rates among adolescents

The Federal Government’s initiative is a significant step towards improving the health outcomes of PLHIV in Nigeria. By providing access to free liver and kidney function tests, the government is demonstrating its commitment to reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS and improving the quality of life for those living with the disease