The Nigerian authorities on Tuesday reiterated its dedication to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.
The Minister of State for Well being and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, stated, whereas talking at an occasion to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day (WAD), that the current administration can also be decided to maintain the HIV response within the nation.
Mr Salako stated the federal government has absolutely built-in HIV response right into a Sector Broad Strategy (SWAp), geared toward boosting accountability and guaranteeing all sources are aligned with the nation’s priorities.
“With a present HIV prevalence of 1.4 per cent within the basic inhabitants and an estimated two million individuals dwelling with HIV, it’s vital for us to evolve the response to satisfy the wants of weak teams,” he stated.
“I’m happy to announce that we’ve taken a step ahead within the battle towards HIV/AIDS by guaranteeing HIV is absolutely built-in into the sector huge strategy (SWAp) which can assist be sure that all sources are aligned with our nationwide well being priorities can proceed to steer HIV response with full authorities possession and accountability.”
World AIDS Day
WAD is commemorated on 1 December yearly to honour the individuals who have fallen to the illness in addition to PLHIV. Additionally it is a day to lift consciousness concerning the illness and the necessity for individuals to know their standing.
The worldwide theme of the 2024 WAD is ‘Take the precise path: My well being, my proper!’.
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Below the broad theme, Nigeria marked the day with the theme, ‘Take the Proper Path: Maintain HIV Response, Cease HIV Amongst Kids to Finish AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.’
Talking on the occasion, the Director Normal of the Nationwide Company for the Management of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, famous that WAD serves as a vital reminder of the continuing battle towards HIV and the necessity for sustained motion, significantly in defending weak populations comparable to youngsters.
Ms Ilori stated this 12 months, the company has positioned particular emphasis on stopping HIV/AIDS amongst youngsters and elevating consciousness on sustainability and possession of the HIV response.
She stated the federal government is placing in all efforts to Stop Mom-to-Youngster Transmission of HIV (PMTCT).
She requires collective efforts to scale up prevention providers, broaden antenatal care, and deal with social boundaries hindering ladies and youngsters from accessing well timed and high quality care.
She famous that the nation has achieved key milestones together with the launch of the PMTCT and Paediatric Acceleration Committee, initiating native manufacturing of HIV-related commodities, and strengthening information administration.
Goodwill Ambassador
On the occasion, a preferred Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, was appointed as Nationwide Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
Ms Akindele in her acceptance speech pledged to accentuate efforts within the battle towards HIV/AIDS, with concentrate on consciousness, stigma discount, and entry to therapy.
She additionally emphasised her dedication to addressing vital points, together with stopping mother-to-child transmission and guaranteeing no baby is born with HIV.
She highlighted the pressing want for a human rights-based strategy to tackling the epidemic, significantly in Nigeria.
“With hope and dedication, I pledge to contribute meaningfully in direction of ending HIV/AIDS as a world well being risk,” she stated.
The UNAIDS Nation Consultant, Leo Zekeng, famous that Nigeria has made vital strides within the battle towards HIV over the previous 20 years.
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Mr Zekeng stated the nation has additionally achieved notable progress in therapy entry, with 1.6 million out of the 2 million individuals dwelling with HIV in Nigeria presently on therapy.
He famous that regardless of the developments, challenges stay, together with addressing stigma and discrimination and guaranteeing equitable entry to prevention and therapy providers throughout all areas.
He requires sustained and sustainable efforts to get rid of the illness as a public well being risk by 2030.
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