NACA’s Worrying Statistic
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, reported on Monday that an estimated 15,000 children in Nigeria died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023. Dr. Ilori shared this grim statistic during a candlelight event organized by the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, in collaboration with the World AIDS Day planning committee. The event was aimed at remembering those who have lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS and raising awareness on important topics such as the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.
The Fight Against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria
Dr. Ilori stressed the importance of ensuring a generation free of HIV in order to meet the global target of ending the epidemic by 2030. She described the 15,000 child deaths as a major concern and called for collective efforts to address the crisis. While acknowledging the progress made, she emphasized the continued need for increased awareness and commitment to fighting the disease. “Together, we can stem this tide and reverse this narrative,” she stated, underscoring the need for a stronger response at the community and national levels.
Ending Stigma and Ensuring Access to Care
The NACA DG also highlighted the need to end stigma against people living with HIV. She urged individuals affected by the virus to continue accessing care and adhering to their treatment regimens to suppress viral loads. Dr. Ilori reassured the public that the government remains committed to ending the HIV epidemic, with a focus on increased domestic resource mobilization and funding for the cause. These measures aim to enhance both prevention and treatment efforts across the nation.
Celebrating Contributions to HIV Control
Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), spoke about the importance of celebrating those working tirelessly to control the HIV epidemic. He advocated for policy changes, more funding, and innovative approaches to tackling HIV, especially among children. Ibrahim called for sustainable practices and better access to HIV care, particularly for pregnant women, to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Achievements in Sokoto and Gombe States
In Sokoto and Gombe states, significant strides have been made in treating HIV patients. Sokoto State has 15,042 people currently receiving HIV treatment, and in Gombe, 19,743 individuals have achieved viral suppression after receiving early treatment. Both states have also made progress in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, with Sokoto recording zero new cases in the past year. These successes were highlighted during media briefings marking World AIDS Day, demonstrating the impact of early detection and comprehensive treatment programs.
Call for Increased Support and Collaboration
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also joined the call for greater efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS. During an awareness walk organized in Akure to mark World AIDS Day, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of strong collaboration among civil society organizations, NGOs, and religious groups to achieve the goal of zero new HIV infections by 2030. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources and creating an enabling environment for HIV prevention.
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