Commonization of HIV/AIDS services in Nigeria: the need, the processes and the prospects.
BACKGROUND
With the first case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) identified in 1986, the management of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria has evolved through the years. The emergency phase of the HIV/AIDS program, aimed at containing the HIV/AIDS epidemic within a short time frame, was carried out by international agencies that built structures separate from hospitals' programs. It is imperative that Nigeria shifts from the previous paradigm to the concept of Commonization of HIV to achieve sustainability. Commonization ensures that HIV/AIDS is seen as a health condition like others. It involves making HIV services available at all levels of healthcare.


METHODS
Excellence & Friends Management Consult (EFMC) undertook this process by conducting HIV tests in people's homes and work places, referring infected persons for treatment and follow up, establishing multiple HIV testing points and HIV services in private and public primary healthcare facilities. EFMC integrated HIV services within existing hospital care structures and trained all healthcare workers at all supported sites on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment modalities.


RESULTS
Commonization has improved the uptake of HIV testing and counseling and enrolment into HIV care as more people are aware that HIV services are available. It has integrated HIV services into general hospital services and minimized the cost of HIV programming as the existing structures and personnel in healthcare facilities are utilized for HIV services.


CONCLUSIONS
Commonization of HIV services i.e. integrating HIV care into the existing fabric of the healthcare system, is highly recommended for a sustainable and efficient healthcare system as it makes HIV services acceptable by all.
Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), Gwarimpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Obinna Ositadimma
OO
Oleribe
Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), Gwarimpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Olabisi
O
Oladipo
Brandeis University, MA, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.
Princess
P
Osita-Oleribe
Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), Gwarimpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Chukwuemeka
C
Nwachukwu
Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), Gwarimpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Frank
F
Nkwopara
Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), Gwarimpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Ekei
E
Ekom
Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), Gwarimpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Solomon
S
Nwabuzor
Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), Gwarimpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Grace
G
Iyalla
Excellence and Friends Management Care Centre (EFMC), Gwarimpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Kenneth
K
Onyewuchi
Center for Clinical Care Research, Nigeria (CCCRN).
Ayodotun
A
Olutola
Global Health Services Network LLC, Michigan, USA.
Okey
O
Nwanyanwu
Global Public Health Solutions Atlanta GA, USA.
Peter
P
Nsubuga
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003376:Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000458:organization & administration; D006296:Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy
Human immunodeficiency virus; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; commonization; decentralization; integration; sustainable