News
We’re determined to end AIDS by 2030 – FG
The federal government on Tuesday, reiterated its avowed commitment not only to achieve the goal of ending AIDS in the country by 2030 but also to sustain the response where no child is left behind. To this end, it has called on state governments, the private sector, and community leaders to take the right path by scaling up interventions aimed at preventing HIV transmission among children.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, who said this while delivering a keynote speech at the 2024 World AIDS Day, in Abuja, explained that with a current HIV prevalence of 1.4% in the general population and an estimated two million people living with HIV, “it is critical for us to evolve the response to meet the needs of vulnerable groups.”
The 2024 World AIDS Day was commemorated with the theme :’Take the rights path: Sustain the HIV response and Stop HIV among children to end AIDS in Nigeria by 2030”.
He said:”This administration under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 and we are determined to sustain the response where no child is left behind.
“With a current HIV prevalence of 1.4% in the general population and an estimated 2 million people living with HIV, it is critical for us to evolve the response to meet the needs of vulnerable groups.
“I am pleased to announce that we have taken a step forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS by ensuring HIV is fully integrated in the sector wide approach (SWAp) which will help ensure that all resources are aligned with our national health priorities can continue to lead HIV response with full government ownership and accountability.
“Today, I call on 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.”
Salako acknowledged the support of development partners, especially the United States Government and the Global Fund jointly responsible for keeping over a million persons on treatment just as he expressed gratitude to the United Nations especially UNAIDS for their efforts to support Nigeria in its fight to end AIDS.
The minister said the day reminded Nigerians of the importance of maintaining the momentum in their fight against HIV/AIDS and joining the rest of the world to remember those who lost their lives due to AIDS as well as support the global effort to end AIDS by the year 2030.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare and the Government of Nigeria, I extend my appreciation to all our stakeholders- Network of persons living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), donors, multilateral and bilateral agencies, implementing partners, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, women and youth organizations, traditional leaders and all who have contributed to the fight against HIV&AIDS, “he said.
Related News
LP Chieftain, Dele Farotimi, alleges threats, intimidation tactics
South Africa launches 5-yr multiple-entry visa for Nigerians, scraps passport submission
Senate confirms Gen Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff
He commended the National Agency for the Control on AIDS,NACA, for the significant strides made so far in her mandate to coordinate the multi-sectoral responses to HIV/AIDS.
“Through NACA’s good coordination of the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to HIV/AIDS, Nigeria has been able to expand access to testing and treatment, comprehensive prevention programmes, and reduce stigma and discrimination, ” he remarked.
The Director General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, in her welcome address, said the 2024 World AIDS Day’s commemoration with the theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030″, aligns closely with the agency’s national goal of protecting future generations and ensuring that every child can grow up in an HIV-free Nigeria.
According to her, “World AIDS Day offers a moment for us to reflect on our progress, address challenges, and strengthen our efforts in the ongoing fight against HIV.”
” It also reminds us that despite advancements, challenges persist, especially among marginalized communities. This year, we are placing special emphasis on stopping AIDS among our children as well as raising consciousness on sustainability and ownership of the HIV response, “she added.
Dr. Ilori said Nigeria has HIV prevalence of 1.4% among general population, 15-64 years with an estimated 2 million people living with HIV.
“The country continues to face a significant challenge in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Therefore, we must unite and come together to ensure we eliminate mother to child transmission by scaling up our prevention efforts, expanding access to antenatal care and addressing social barriers hindering women and children from accessing timely and quality care.
“In our journey to end AIDS by 2030, I want to recognize the vital roles played by our policymakers, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, bilateral & multilateral agencies, development partners, the private sector, and the media which has contributed significantly to address the social, cultural, and economic inequalities that impact our progress. Together, we have paved a path toward ending AIDS, and now is the time to sustain this momentum.
“Nigeria’s HIV response has seen remarkable achievements. Under this administration, and with unwavering support from partners, we have recorded remarkable achievements over the past year, ” She added.
On his part, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, noted that ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable.
“But reaching this goal requires breaking down the barriers keeping people from vital services, ” he said.
He spoke further:”Every 25 seconds, someone in the world is infected with HIV. 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 called on all leaders to heed this year’s theme and take the right path.
