By Akinola Oyeyemi, Lagos
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has hosted the first ever Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference in the country.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the critical importance of prevention and combating the disease, echoing the sentiment, “Prevention is better than cure.”
The conference with the theme: “Accelerating HIV Prevention to End AIDS through Innovations and Community Engagement” is a high-level event held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city from 7th May to 9th May, 2024.
The conference will showcase diverse sessions, including dedicated tracks on youth empowerment under the theme “Adolescents and Young People (AYP) as Change Agents,” community engagement sessions, leadership discussions, plenary sessions, sponsored sessions, and special sessions.
The conference’s objectives include optimizing innovative HIV prevention approaches towards achieving epidemic control, promoting equitable and inclusive human rights-based approaches to HIV Prevention, and strategizing for increased domestic funding towards community ownership and sustainability of HIV prevention programmes.
He highlighted the urgent need to curb new infections, especially among vulnerable populations.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa represented by the Director and Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. David Atuwo said President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access for all Nigerians sets a powerful tone for the conference.
“His vision, articulated through the Health Sector Evolution Project, aims to ensure equitable, efficient, and quality healthcare services for every citizen, regardless of HIV status. The focus on prevention aligns with global efforts to achieve the 95-95-95 targets by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
The conference serves as a platform for discussing and evaluating prevention strategies tailored to Nigeria’s socio-cultural landscape.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the need to leverage effective interventions and best practices while fostering ownership and sustainability in the national HIV response.
“With a call for collective action, including support from healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and those affected by HIV, the goal of an AIDS-free Nigeria becomes attainable.
“As the conference progresses, all eyes are on the outputs and implementation of selected strategies. President Bola Tinubu’s anticipation of a future where no child is born HIV-positive in Nigeria underscores the stakes, with concerted efforts and collaboration, the nation stands poised to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS, setting the stage for a healthier and more prosperous future,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM), Amobi Ogah, emphasized that Nigeria must reduce reliance on foreign donors to combat the HIV epidemic.
Hon. Ogah said this can only be achieved if the federal and state governments increased budgetary allocations to the health sector.
“NACA must aim to expand treatment centres in the country to 300 by the end of 2024, it is important to involve the National Assembly in programmes to ensure ownership and awareness,” he said