1.9 million Nigerians are living with HIV — and approximately 600,000 don't know their status. An HIV-positive diagnosis today is not a death sentence — with antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV live full, healthy lives. The first step is knowing. A rapid HIV test at Mascot Healthcare takes 20 minutes. Completely confidential.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system over time — if untreated, leading to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in which the body loses the ability to fight opportunistic infections. Without treatment, most people progress from HIV infection to AIDS in 8–10 years.
With modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive individuals can achieve an undetectable viral load — meaning they cannot transmit the virus sexually (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable), their immune system remains intact, and their life expectancy is similar to HIV-negative people.
Everyone who is sexually active should know their HIV status. Testing is particularly important if: you have had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners; you or your partner has had an STI; you have shared needles or had a needlestick injury; you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; you have symptoms of immune compromise (recurrent infections, unexplained weight loss, oral thrush).
We use a fourth-generation HIV rapid test that detects both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen — reducing the window period to approximately 18–45 days after infection. A finger-prick blood sample gives a result within 20 minutes. A reactive result is confirmed with a second independent test before any diagnosis is communicated.
A positive HIV test is managed with complete confidentiality. Our doctors provide post-test counselling, explain what the result means, and facilitate referral to a government ART centre (where treatment is free under Nigeria's national ART programme) or a private facility. You will not be alone.
Confidential, rapid, and supportive — whatever the result.
Rapid HIV test at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. Result in 20 minutes. Completely confidential.