This assessment report documents the Nigerian experience in HIV/AIDS
treatment in both the public and private sectors. Nigeria accounts for
approximately 20 percent of West Africa’s population and is ranked fourth in the
world in total number of reported AIDS cases. The impact of the epidemic on the
social and economic development of Nigeria has been substantial. HIV/AIDS has
contributed to the decrease in life expectancy, increase in the number of deaths
in young adults, and increase in the number of orphans in the country. Since
1999, the Nigerian government has placed high priority on HIV/AIDS prevention,
treatment, care, and support activities, supported by significant donor efforts
for AIDS prevention and control. This assessment was commissioned by United
States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Nigeria to gain an in-depth
understanding of the current status, challenges, and cost of providing HIV/AIDS
services in the public and private sectors in Nigeria. It was a joint
undertaking of USAID, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the National Institute
of Medical Research.