NACA, NASS collaborate on sustainable HIV response strategies
By Kunle Sanni
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has announced a strategic partnership with USAID, UNAIDS, and Jhpiego to host a two-day retreat alongside the House of Representatives’ Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM).
The event, themed “Leadership for Sustainability of the HIV Response: The Role of the Legislative,” aims to enhance legislative support for HIV eradication efforts in Nigeria.
In her opening address, NACA Director General Temitope Ilori reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to leading an accelerated decline in new HIV infections.
She emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to tackling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria to achieve maximum health benefits.
“We are here today to continue our efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030. We are re-energized in fostering a commitment to HIV/AIDS issues with the legislators present and facilitating an efficient and sustainable response in Nigeria,” Ilori stated.
Leopoid Zeken, Country Director of UNAIDS, urged the House leadership to scale up efforts in legislation for resource allocation. He stressed the need for increased awareness and improved accountability of resources to better manage the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“The success achieved in Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS will significantly impact the African continent’s overall success,” Zeken said.
Public Health Specialist and Country Director of Jhpiego, Oniyire Adetiloye, addressed the critical nature of the committee’s work. He advocated for an integrated approach to ensure patients receive the best solutions for these health issues.
“Jhpiego has been at the forefront of tackling HIV/AIDS, reaching millions of Nigerian women, men, and children since 1978. We have provided HIV testing services to more than 2.6 million people, identified over 74,000 new HIV-positive cases, and linked more than 72,000 to care and treatment,” Adetiloye noted.
Honourable Godwin Ameobi, Chairman of the House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, insisted that Nigeria must address gender and human rights barriers and improve domestic financing to progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He suggested that 1% of consolidated national funds be dedicated to managing HIV/AIDS.
“Government must take the lead by providing the needed funds. NACA must also evolve into a multi-sectoral agency to better fight HIV/AIDS,” Ameobi stated.
He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency to achieve the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Ameobi also called for more retreats on capacity building for legislators to stay updated on global best practices and urged strict efforts against stigma and discrimination, especially in workplaces.
Participants attended various sessions discussing the national HIV response, statistics, and sustainability goals. According to 2023 estimates, approximately 39 million people globally live with HIV, with about 3 million in Nigeria.
Nigeria accounts for 4.9% of people living with HIV globally and 41.6% in West and Central Africa. Sixteen Nigerian states have an HIV prevalence above the national rate of 1.3%.
