Nigeria May Beat 2030 Global Target for HIV Eradication, Says NACA

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

As the federal government mobilises efforts to address health challenges, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has expressed optimism that the country may well be on the way to ending the spread of HIV transmission in Nigeria by 2025.

NACA had put the number of persons living with HIV-AIDS that are currently on treatment at 1.8 million.

As part of a new funding strategy, NACA in collaboration with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) recently launched a sixty-two billion Naira private sector-driven HIV/AIDS Trust Fund of Nigeria.

While giving yearly update on the activities of NACA, the Director General of the agency Dr.

Aliyu Gambo, said a review and validation exercise conducted recently on the number of persons on treatment for HIV AIDS showed that the country was closer to achieving the 2030 set target.

He said: “We are actually moving closer to what we had estimated. We are seeing ourselves getting closer to the bus stop that countries are expected to reach in the year 2030. So we are very hopeful that by the year 2025, we will be able to reach that bus stop five years earlier than the year 2030”.

Meanwhile, the agency has admonished citizens to exhibit responsible sexual behavior during the festive season

A statement by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol of NACA, Toyin Aderibigbe, reminded the public of the importance of responsible and safe sexual behavior to prevent the spread of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

She said the Director General of NACA had cautioned that engaging in unsafe and unclean sexual activities could significantly heighten the risk of HIV transmission and other STIs.

“The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and as we come together with loved ones, it is paramount that we prioritise our health and well-being.

“As we celebrate this festive season, let us make responsible choices in our intimate lives. By adopting and advocating for responsible sexual practices, we can collectively contribute to a healthier and happier community,” he said.

Aliyu added, “Abstinence, maintaining faithfulness to your partner, and consistently using condoms are among the most effective measures to prevent the transmission of these infections.”

The DG said NACA remained steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and promoting preventive measures that will safeguard public health.