A recent study by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has revealed that providing vocational skills to HIV patients significantly impacts their adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The findings highlight the crucial connection between economic empowerment and enhanced healthcare outcomes in resource-constrained environments. Presenting the findings at the institute’s monthly chat held at the NIMR facility in Yaba, Dr Kazeem Osuolale, a biostatistician and Senior Research Fellow at NIMR, explained that while ART has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic illness, adherence remains a challenge for many patients, primarily due to economic hardship. He said the study sought to address this by testing whether skill-based empowerment could support consistent treatment among people living with HIV.
According to him, poverty remains a major obstacle in Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS, as many patients struggle to cover costs associated with accessing care, such as transportation, clinic registration, and other related expenses. To explore a possible solution, Participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group that received empowerment through vocational skills training and startup materials, and a control group that received no such intervention. The training covered areas such as catering, bead making, liquid soap production, and hair braiding. According to Osuolale, the intervention aimed not only to offer economic support but also to boost the participants’ confidence and independence.
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