Introduction. Despite decades of knowledge and advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management and treatment, many populations are being left behind and not accessing HIV Testing Services (HTS) to the fullest possible extent. The saliva-using tool OralQuick®, easy to use, non-invasive, with assurances of confidentiality and privacy, could revolutionize HTS. Objective. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the total market approach being deployed in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States in South-south Nigeria to enhance the demand for HIV Self-Testing (HIVST), to ensure product equity, accessibility and sustainability. Materials and method. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving analysis of HIVST records in community pharmacies and community anti-retroviral (ARV) management (CAM) teams in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States Nigeria, from March -December 2020. Different metrics, such as the offer of the HIVST kits, acceptance, reactivity, and linkage to HIV management and prevention services, were assessed and analyzed. Results. A total of 5,153 eligible clients were offered the HIV testing service, with an acceptance rate of 23.4% (1,207), of which 33.3% (402) clients were assisted and 66.7% (805) were unassisted. Of the 1,207 who accepted the offer of the test, 963 (79.8%) reported their results, and 39 (4%) reported reactive results. On linkage for confirmatory testing and HIV care and treatment, all the 39 clients were initiated, while 586 (71%) who were non-reactive to HIVST accessed HIV prevention services. Conclusions. The human immunodeficiency virus self-testing model has demonstrated the potential to be a vital tool in expanding the HIV testing services, and linkage to HIV care services to populations who would otherwise not have been tested.

Recently, there has been a surge in cholera cases in Nigeria. With the exhausting health resources and the overwhelming attention towards COVID‐19, Nigeria is in danger of worsening the epidemiological profile of cholera in the country. Thus, it is pertinent to address the surge to prevent further weakening of the country's health system. In this paper, we, therefore, explore the various interrelated factors accounting for the surge in Nigeria. It is therefore suggested that multifaceted public health strategies be employed that leverage the current level of disease preparedness and response capacities to the COVID‐19 pandemic to reduce the impacts of cholera. These measures will not only help in strengthening the country's health system but also enhance the achievement of the relevant strategies toward eradicating cholera.

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