In a landmark move aimed at accelerating HIV prevention efforts in Nigeria, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has announced its plan to host the first-ever Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference.
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In a statement by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, the Director General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, said the conference is poised to offer a platform for a diverse range of sessions, featuring dedicated tracks on youth empowerment themed “Adolescents and Young People (AYP) as Change Agents,” alongside community engagement sessions, leadership discussions, plenary sessions, sponsored sessions, and special sessions.
Expressing anticipation for the conference, Dr Ilori, emphasized its pivotal role in uniting stakeholders towards accelerating progress in ending the HIV epidemic in Nigeria.
“The first ever HIV prevention conference will serve as a pivotal platform for everyone to unite in their efforts and effect tangible advancements towards ending the HIV epidemic in Nigeria,” she said.
The conference is scheduled to take place from May 7th to May 9th, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, with the theme: “Accelerating HIV Prevention to End AIDS through Innovations and Community Engagement.”
Dr Ilori outlined the conference objectives, which include optimizing innovative HIV prevention approaches, promoting equitable and inclusive human rights-based approaches, and strategizing for increased domestic funding towards community ownership and sustainability of HIV prevention programs.
“We eagerly anticipate the attendance of policymakers, representatives from international organizations, academia, state delegates, NGOs, development partners, media professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the national response,” she added.
She highlighted the transformative role young people can play in driving change and emphasized that the conference will adopt a hybrid format, facilitating both physical and virtual participation.
Speaking on behalf of UNAIDS, the Country Director, Dr Leo Zekeng, reiterated the vision of a Nigeria with zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
“A Nigeria where everyone and everywhere has access to comprehensive, stigma free HIV prevention, treatment, and support services to live a healthy and productive life.”
Dr Zekeng said this vision can only become a reality by working together, across sectors and disciplines, willing to follow the science, end inequalities, putting communities in the lead and commit at federal and state level to sustain the response.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Country Coordinator, Ms Funmi Adesanya said Nigeria is a global leader amassed with innovation, potential and a growing youth population who will serve as the next generation of policy leaders, educators and change agents.
Ms Adesanya said Nigeria also has the fourth largest HIV burden, with young people making up a disproportionate share of new infections.
“Young people have been identified as a key priority for PEPFAR in its five-year strategic plan. We are proud to be partnering with the Government of Nigeria through NACA in the upcoming conference which serves as a platform for us to unite with the voices of the youth to close the tap on new infections and end the HIV epidemic in Nigeria,” she said.
The Director- General, Dr Ilori expresses gratitude for the invaluable support from Global Fund, PEPFAR, UNAIDS, and other esteemed partners towards this significant event.
Expressing gratitude for the support from Global Fund, PEPFAR, UNAIDS, and other esteemed partners, Dr Ilori extended an invitation to policymakers, international organizations, academia, state delegates, NGOs, development partners, media professionals, and other stakeholders to participate in this significant event.
The Deputy Executive Director of Programme at UNAIDS and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Angeli Achrekar, has been announced as the distinguished keynote speaker for the event.
For further details and registration information, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.nigeriahivprevcon24.com.
