As part of activities to commemorate this years World AIDS Day (WAD), the Nigerian government has Called to Action, Uniting Communities for an AIDS-Free Tomorrow in the country.
The Chairman, House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control (ATM), Hon. Amobi G. Ogah, made the call during a press conference ahead of the 2023 World AIDS Day (WAD) in Abuja, the nations capital.
WAD is commemorated on 1 December annually to raise awareness and to unite people globally in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Hon. Ogah, urged global partners, including the Global Fund and other donor agencies, to escalate financial support to NACA, emphasizing the need for released funds to leverage and deliver effective programs.
He promised a legislative framework to protect the rights of Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and combat discrimination and stigma.
Acknowledging the outstanding achievements of NACA under the leadership of Dr. Aliyu Gambo, Hon. Ogah conveyed the pride of the National Assembly in these accomplishments.
He pledged unwavering support from the House Committee on ATM, ensuring that legislative measures and interventions would enhance NACA’s capacity to effectively fulfill its mandate.
Emphasizing this year’s theme, “Communities: Leadership to End AIDS by 2030,” Ogah underscored the importance of engaging leaders at every level to ensure the eradication of AIDS by 2030.
He called for increased domestic resourcing of HIV interventions and mobilization of community members for gender-equitable social norms.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Gambo Gumel Aliyu emphasized the critical role of communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“Despite significant progress, Nigeria grapples with the second-largest burden of HIV infection worldwide, with 1.8 million individuals living with HIV. I called for renewed dedication to achieving the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to development partners and global communities, Dr. Aliyu acknowledged government tireless efforts that have made Nigeria’s HIV response the most resilient globally.
“Under the government of “Renewed Hope,” led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the commitment to this spirit remains unwavering in the pursuit of the global target.”
The Director General highlighted the invaluable contributions of communities, noting their resilience and determination as driving forces in improving services and access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
Dr. Aliyu’s call to action urged stakeholders to mobilize community leaders for gender-equitable social norms and equality in HIV prevention.
“As the World AIDS Day week commenced, I appealed for the renewal of dedication to the national HIV/AIDS response,” emphasizing the need to strengthen partnerships, champion policies upholding rights, and ensure equal access to life-saving services.
In her goodwill message, the PEPFAR Coordinator for USG, Funni Adesanya emphasized the collective effort required to achieve the goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
The UNAIDS Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Leo Zekeng expressed gratitude for the leadership of the government, NACA, and various partners, emphasizing the significance of the event in demonstrating solidarity with those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Reflecting on the progress made globally, with 30 million people on treatment, he acknowledged that HIV is no longer as deadly as it once was.
