Nigerian Expert Urges Tobacco Screening in HIV Treatment Programs

A Nigerian medical expert has called for tobacco screening and counselling to be integrated into HIV treatment programs, according to a report by westernpost.ng. The recommendation was published on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

The expert argues that people living with HIV face additional health risks if they also use tobacco, making routine screening a necessary part of their care. Westernpost.ng reports that the proposal includes offering counselling to help patients address tobacco use as part of their overall treatment plan.

The call comes amid broader discussions in Nigeria about improving comprehensive care for HIV patients. While the report does not specify which institutions or regions would be affected, the suggestion points to a growing recognition that HIV care must address co-occurring health behaviors, not just the virus itself.

Tobacco use is known to complicate HIV treatment, though the westernpost.ng report does not provide specific data on prevalence or outcomes. The expert’s statement appears to be a preventive measure aimed at reducing long-term complications in this patient group.

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The report does not indicate whether any Nigerian health authority has responded to the proposal or begun implementing such screening protocols. It also does not name the expert or their affiliation.

What to watch next is whether Nigerian health agencies adopt tobacco screening as a standard component of HIV care, and whether other medical professionals add their support to the recommendation.