Nigeria Rallies to End HIV/AIDS at World AIDS Day Celebration in Abuja
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Discussions on ending HIV/AIDS in Nigeria by the 2030 took center stage as the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare hosted the World AIDS Day celebration in Abuja with stakeholders making a case for free antenatal for pregnant women in the country.
The event brought together government officials, health experts, and civil society organisations to highlight progress and map out strategies to ending the epidemic.
Speaker after speaker at the event noted that Nigeria has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with over 1.9 million people currently on life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said that recent data, shows the national HIV prevalence rate has dropped to 1.3%, a testament to sustained efforts in testing, treatment, and awareness campaigns.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, said that if leaders make policies to protect the 2 million people living with HIV and AIDS, we will overcome the scourge.
In her welcome speech, the Director General of the National Agency for the Conteol of AIDS, NACA, Temitope Ilori, urged stakeholders to recommit to the sustainability of the success in the fight against HIV/AIDS
Other speakers including PEPFER Coordinator Funmi Adesanya, Actress Funke Akindele, who unveiled as the goodwill brand ambassador among others pledged unalloyed support to the efforts to reduce the menace in Nigeria.
Despite efforts, challenges still persist as over 100,000 new infections were recorded in 2023, and stigmatisation continues to hinder access to care for many hence participants are calling for stronger community involvement, increased funding, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, such as young people and key affected groups.
