The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on HIV Prevalence and Treatment Accessibility in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review
Mugisha Emmanuel K.
Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda
ABSTRACT
HIV/AIDS remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), making it one of the most affected countries globally. This comprehensive review explored the impact of socioeconomic factors on HIV prevalence and treatment accessibility in Nigeria, focusing on key determinants such as poverty, education, gender inequality, and geographic disparities. Poverty exacerbated the risk of HIV infection by limiting access to prevention resources and creating barriers to treatment, while educational disparities affect awareness and prevention behaviors. Gender inequality, particularly in patriarchal societies, increases women’s vulnerability to HIV due to limited control over sexual health decisions and economic dependence. Geographic disparities, especially between urban and rural areas, contributed to uneven HIV prevalence and treatment access, with rural regions often facing significant healthcare infrastructure challenges. Additionally, the strength of health system infrastructure and funding played a crucial role in shaping the effectiveness of HIV services, with underfunding and reliance on external donors posing significant risks to sustainability. The methodology used in this article involved a review and synthesis of existing literature and data on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, emphasizing the socioeconomic determinants of the epidemic. Addressing these factors required targeted interventions, such as strengthening social protection programs, enhancing education, promoting gender equality, improving healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable funding. These efforts were essential for reducing HIV prevalence and improving treatment outcomes in Nigeria.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Socioeconomic determinants, Nigeria, Healthcare infrastructure, Gender inequality.
CITE AS: Mugisha Emmanuel K. (2024). The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on HIV Prevalence and Treatment Accessibility in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES, 5(3): 46-52. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJRMS/2024/5.3.4652