By Olatunji Folarin

In the fight against HIV/AIDS, few individuals have demonstrated the combination of technical expertise, leadership, and a deep commitment to public health as Dr. Chinedu Agbakwuru. As the International Programs Director at the Institute of Human Virology, Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB Global), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Dr. Agbakwuru is revolutionizing HIV research and care across Africa.

His outstanding achievements span multiple countries, but his leadership in Nigeria, a PEPFAR focus country, stands out as a beacon of hope in the global health landscape. Under Dr. Agbakwuru’s direction, the Nigeria Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) survey, the largest population HIV Impact Assessment ever conducted in the world, produced groundbreaking results. This survey not only provided critical data on the prevalence of HIV in the country but also reshaped Nigeria’s strategy for identifying and treating HIV-positive individuals and informed policy changes in Nigeria.

“Through the PHIA survey, we were able to identify gaps in testing and treatment coverage, especially among underserved populations. This allowed us to refine our strategies and allocate resources more effectively,” Dr. Agbakwuru explained.

The survey’s findings showed a significant improvement in Nigeria’s HIV epidemic response. According to UNAIDS gotten from the NAIIS data, Nigeria’s HIV prevalence is now at an all time low of 1.3% among adults aged 15–49. This data has been instrumental in strengthening Nigeria’s HIV treatment and prevention efforts, contributing to the reduction of new infections.

Dr. Agbakwuru’s expertise has not been confined to Nigeria alone. He successfully executed PHIA surveys in two other major PEPFAR focus countries: Botswana, Zambia, and is currently embarking on efforts in Kenya to classify the HIV epidemic in the Eastern African Country.

Notably, following Dr. Agbakwuru’s lead in completing the PHIA survey in Botswana, the data revealed that Botswana became one of the first countries globally to surpass the Joint United Nations 95-95-95 targets—95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed receiving treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.

“This achievement is a testament to the power of data-driven decision-making and the collective will of governments, healthcare providers, and communities,” he said.

Another feather in Dr. Agbakwuru’s cap is his leadership as a co-investigator and implementing lead in rolling out the Kenya PHIA II survey. By developing a comprehensive global work plan and engaging with country leadership, he is looking to once again ensure the seamless implementation of this critical initiative.

Dr. Agbakwuru’s initiatives have illuminated pathways to improving HIV care across Africa, a continent that accounts for 67% of the global HIV burden. As of 2021, UNAIDS estimates that approximately 25.6 million people in sub-Saharan Africa live with HIV, and his work addresses these staggering numbers with evidence-based strategies.

Despite his impressive track record, Dr. Agbakwuru remains focused on the future. “The battle against HIV/AIDS is far from over,” he said. “We must continue to innovate, collaborate, and adapt to emerging challenges. My goal is to ensure that we leave no one behind in our quest for an HIV-free generation.”