The Federal Government has integrated HIV response into a sector-wide approach, aimed at boosting accountability and ensuring that all resources are aligned with national health priorities.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako Adekunle while disclosing this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration in Abuja, added that this integration will enable the government to lead the HIV response with full ownership and accountability.
The 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration which was organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS(NACA), was themed, ‘Take the rights path: Sustain the HIV response and Stop HIV among children to end AIDS in Nigeria by 2030’.
The Minister of State also emphasised the importance of collective action in achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
He said, “Nigeria has made significant progress in reducing HIV prevalence from 3.4% to 1.4%. However, with an estimated 2 million people living with HIV, there is still much work to be done.
“The government’s sector-wide approach is expected to address the needs of vulnerable groups and ensure that no child is left behind.
“The Minister also called on state governments, the private sector, and community leaders to scale up interventions aimed at preventing HIV transmission among children.”
He stressed the need for a holistic approach, addressing social, cultural, and economic barriers that hinder access to healthcare services for women and children.
He called on the state governments, the private sector, and community leaders to “take the rights path” by scaling up interventions aimed at preventing HIV transmission among children.
“Our strategy must be holistic—addressing the social, cultural, and economic barriers that hinder access to healthcare services for women and children.
“The integration of HIV response into a sector-wide approach is a critical step towards achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030. With collective action and a commitment to accountability, Nigeria can make significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
Also speaking, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, in his remarks, noted that ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable.
He, therefore, said that reaching this goal requires breaking down the barriers keeping people from vital services as he added that every 25 seconds, someone in the world is infected with HIV.
According to him, one-quarter of people living with HIV, more than nine million people, lack access to lifesaving treatment.
“Discriminatory laws, policies and practices punish and stigmatize vulnerable people — especially women, girls and minorities — preventing their access to proven preventions, testing, treatment and care.
“This year’s World AIDS Day reminds us the fight against AIDS can be won if leaders take a rights-based approach to ensure that everyone especially the most vulnerable can get the services they need without fear.
“The inspirational advances made in the global HIV response have been powered by global solidarity and human rights. We will overcome AIDS if the rights of everyone, everywhere, are protected,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori in her speech, noted that Nigeria’s HIV response has seen remarkable achievements under the administration, and with unwavering support from partners.
She said, “We have recorded remarkable achievements over the past year. The key milestones include: the launching of the PMTCT and pediatric acceleration committee which is an initiative aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission,
“In collaboration with partners, we initiated agreements for the local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for the African region.
“This moves towards manufacturing antiretrovirals, test kits, and other HIV-related commodities locally will ensure sustainability and strengthen our health security.
“We have re-established trust with donors and partners, leading to renewed collaborations and increased resource commitments for Nigeria’s HIV response.
“Strengthening Data Management, for the first time in three years, Nigeria’s HIV data has been published by UNAIDS, showcasing transparency and clarity in our national response, and reinforcing our commitment to evidence-based interventions.”
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