NOA pledges support for NACA in HIV/AIDS awareness, stigma reduction
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in raising awareness and combating stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by NACA Director-General Dr. Temitope Ilori to NOA headquarters, NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu emphasized the need for a shift in public messaging. He noted that while fear-based communication was once effective, HIV/AIDS should now be viewed as a manageable health condition, similar to hypertension and diabetes, rather than a death sentence.
Issa-Onilu encouraged NACA to leverage NOA’s nationwide network to amplify its campaigns on HIV prevention, treatment, and the fight against discrimination. He also acknowledged the decline in international funding for HIV/AIDS programs, particularly from the U.S. government, and urged NACA to explore innovative local strategies for sustainable intervention.
He assured NACA of NOA’s unwavering support in achieving a well-informed and stigma-free society, highlighting the importance of community engagement in combating misinformation about HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Ilori, in her remarks, recognized NOA’s significant role in national development and stressed the need for stronger collaboration between both agencies to enhance Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response. She pointed out that many young people now underestimate the existence of HIV/AIDS due to the success of treatment programs that have reduced visible cases of full-blown AIDS.
Despite over two million Nigerians living with HIV, she warned that new infections are still on the rise, especially among young people and children. This, she said, underscores the urgency of improving public awareness and behavioral change communication to counter misinformation and encourage prevention.
Dr. Ilori also reiterated the importance of sustained public education, particularly at the grassroots level, to ensure that people understand the risks and take necessary precautions. She expressed confidence that a strengthened partnership between NOA and NACA would lead to more effective awareness campaigns and a reduction in stigma.
Both agencies agreed on the need for continuous collaboration to ensure that Nigerians receive accurate information about HIV/AIDS, ultimately contributing to the goal of eliminating the disease as a public health threat.
