Ikemefuna N. Onyeyili¹,*, Mary O. Onoja-Alexander¹, Shaibu Ejoga², Alexandra O. Onoja³, Alexander I. Onoja⁴, Blessing O. Okechukwu²
¹Department of Community Medicine, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
²Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria ³Department of Paediatrics, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria ⁴College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Bingham University, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: onyeyiliikemefuna@gmail.com
Received: 07/ 01 / 2026 | Accepted: 20/02/2026 | Published: 26/ 02/ 2026
How to cite: Onyeyili, I. N., Onoja-Alexander, M. O., Ejoga, S., Onoja, A. O., Onoja, A. I., & Okechukwu, B. O. (2026). Deployment of Mobile Health Clinics to Enhance HIV Services in Rural Kogi State, Nigeria: A Six-Month Intervention Study. International Journal of Scholarly Resources, ISSN: 1234-5678.
Abstract
HIV continues to pose a significant public health challenge in rural communities of Kogi State, Nigeria, where barriers such as geographic isolation, healthcare workforce shortages, and stigma limit access to essential prevention, testing, and treatment services. This project proposes the deployment of mobile health clinics to bridge healthcare gaps and enhance HIV service delivery to underserved populations. The initiative focuses on increasing HIV testing coverage, linking newly diagnosed individuals to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and reducing HIV-related stigma through the integration of HIV services with general healthcare. Key components include deploying fully equipped mobile clinics, engaging local communities to foster trust and awareness, leveraging technology for follow-up care, and training local healthcare workers to build capacity. The project aims to test 3,000 individuals within the first year, ensure 90% linkage to ART for those diagnosed, and improve retention in care. Expected outcomes include improved health outcomes, reduced HIV-related stigma, and strengthened healthcare systems in rural communities. By addressing the unique challenges of Kogi State, this project aligns with national and global HIV response strategies, contributing to the goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
Keywords: Mobile health clinics, HIV services, rural health, Kogi State, Nigeria, stigma reduction, antiretroviral therapy
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Reference
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