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  • Nigeria on track to end AIDS by 2030 – NACA

    Nigeria on track to end AIDS by 2030 – NACA

    Nigeria has met two of the three global 2030 HIV targets, achieving an 87 per cent diagnosis rate, 98 percent treatment coverage among those diagnosed and 95 per cent viral suppression among people on treatment, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said.

    It said the performance places the country firmly on track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    The agency also reported a 46 per cent decline in new HIV infections over the past decade and the highest-ever retention rates among people living with HIV. 

    The milestones, according to the Director General (DG), Dr Temitope Ilori, come despite economic strain, fluctuating donor support, service gaps in hard-to-reach areas and Nigeria’s disproportionate share of global paediatric HIV infections.

    The DG on Tuesday in Abuja during a World AIDS Day briefing, Ilori said the progress reflects national resilience, declaring, “Today, I stand before you to report that Nigeria remains firmly on track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. We will not stop until that goal is achieved”

    Ilori noted that Nigeria’s 87.98% performance marks significant gains in diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression. 

    “Eighty-seven per cent of people living with HIV in Nigeria know their status, 98 per cent of those who know their status are on life-saving treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression, meaning they cannot transmit HIV,” she said.

    She added that more Nigerians living with HIV are now enrolled and retained in care than at any time in the country’s history.

    Early infant diagnosis and paediatric treatment have improved through state-led efforts, although she stressed that these areas still require focused attention.

    Ilori highlighted the role of civil society and community-led organisations in expanding access to prevention, testing and treatment, particularly among key populations and young people. 

    She reported that in 2024 alone, 204,201 individuals from key populations were on antiretroviral therapy with strong viral suppression outcomes.

    Domestic financing, she noted, has gained momentum as several states increased budget allocations and strengthened HIV Trust Funds. 

    She credited the Federal Government for preventing major service disruptions during global funding uncertainty, stressing that President Bola Tinubu had approved $200m to safeguard access to HIV services. 

    “It was leadership in action, expressing Nigeria’s commitment to its people,” she said.

    Ilori said the country’s progress has also been bolstered by integrating HIV services into broader health systems, establishing the AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Technical Working Group and enrolling more people living with HIV into state health insurance schemes. 

    “Digital reporting tools are improving accountability and data accuracy,” she noted.

    Despite the gains, she warned that critical challenges persist, including stigma, discrimination, reliance on external funding and service gaps in insecure communities. 

    Nigeria also continues to face a high burden of paediatric HIV infections. She called for increased domestic financing, stronger state-level partnerships, private-sector involvement and full implementation of the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission Acceleration Plan.

    Ilori outlined plans to expand HIV prevention for adolescents, young people and key populations, including wider access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. 

    She said Nigeria aims to pursue local production of HIV medicines to strengthen supply security and reduce dependence on imports while urging sustained multisectoral collaboration and renewed national efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination.

    UNAIDS’ representative, Gabriel Undelikwo, commended Nigeria’s leadership in strengthening its HIV response, saying, “We need to sustain the national leadership partnership, maintain integration, and strengthen collaboration and community empowerment because we believe that together we are overcoming the disruption and sustaining the national response to HIV.”

    The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Programmes at APIN Public Health Initiatives, Dr Jay Samuels, also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment. 

    “As the foremost indigenous NGO providing treatment for over 20 per cent of Nigeria’s Persons Living with HIV AIDS, we restate our commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to close the treatment gaps and ultimately end the epidemic,” he said.

    He added that APIN will continue mobilising domestic resources, noting, “We are leaving no stone unturned by identifying and working with institutions, organizations, foundations and individuals to ensure that patients who are bona fide Nigerians are not entirely dependent on the goodwill and generosity of the international community.”

  • NACA, NEMA to integrate HIV prevention into disaster management frameworks

    NACA, NEMA to integrate HIV prevention into disaster management frameworks

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are set to commence the process of integrating HIV prevention and care into humanitarian and disaster management frameworks, it emerged on Thursday.

    This followed a meeting between the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, and her NEMA counterpart, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, during Ilori’s visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The meeting centered on building synergy between both agencies to better address the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations during emergencies.

    Ilori, who commended NEMA’s critical role in coordinating national responses to emergencies, emphasized the importance of ensuring that IDPs and other affected populations have access to HIV prevention tools, testing, and treatment even in times of crisis. 

    She said the visit underscored NACA’s commitment to deepening inter-agency collaboration in ways that ensure inclusivity and protection for all vulnerable groups.

    “NEMA has been pivotal in coordinating national disaster response, and this partnership will help integrate health, especially HIV services, into emergency preparedness and management.

    “We must ensure that no one is left behind, including those living with HIV or at risk, during humanitarian interventions,” Ilori said.

    Umar, described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that both agencies share a coordination mandate. 

    While NEMA oversees disaster management, she explained, NACA coordinates the national HIV response, making their collaboration essential to community resilience.

    “The more resilience we build, the fewer victims we will have and the fewer resources we will need to spend on emergency responses,” she said, aligning the discussion with the theme of the recently marked International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, which emphasized investment in prevention over reaction.

    Umar further highlighted the need to integrate HIV testing, care, and prevention into IDP camp health assessments, acknowledging that long-term camps often include adult populations where cohabitation occurs, increasing the need for preventive services. 

    She added that NEMA’s care packs for displaced persons could be reviewed to include HIV prevention materials, ensuring such inclusion is handled sensitively to avoid stigmatization.

    She also welcomed NACA’s proposal for joint community outreach and sensitization campaigns, noting that NEMA’s national community engagement platforms could help amplify HIV awareness as part of broader resilience-building initiatives.

    The NEMA DG proposed joint training programs for the Agency’s search and rescue teams, who frequently interact with injured or distressed individuals. 

    The training, she said, would enhance the capacity to manage vulnerable groups, including people living with HIV, women, children, and persons with disabilities.

    Umar also pledged NEMA’s readiness to collaborate on data sharing and risk mapping, citing the agency’s extensive disaster data systems that could complement NACA’s health data to better identify areas of vulnerability.

    She commended NACA for sustaining HIV awareness campaigns, noting that misconceptions persist about the epidemic’s decline. 

  • NACA pushes for home-grown funding solutions as donor support declines

    NACA pushes for home-grown funding solutions as donor support declines

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has announced the commencement of local production of HIV test kits in Nigeria, with plans underway to begin domestic manufacturing of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The announcement was made at the ongoing 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA) held in Lagos, where NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, hailed the development as a “game-changer” in the country’s fight against HIV.

    “We already have two plants packaging HIV test kits locally, and we’re in advanced discussions with pharmaceutical companies ready to produce ARVs,” said Dr. Ilori. “This is about building a sustainable, home-grown response.”

    With donor support steadily declining and global health priorities shifting, Dr. Ilori emphasised the urgency of Nigeria taking ownership of its HIV response. Currently, over 1.8 million Nigerians are on ARV treatment, many of whom rely on imported medications funded by international partners such as PEPFAR, UNAIDS, and The Global Fund. NACA’s shift to local production aims to address long-standing challenges such as supply chain disruptions, foreign exchange constraints, and high costs associated with importing HIV commodities. “These kits meet WHO standards,” Ilori assured. “We’re not just making them here—we’re making them with quality the world can trust.”

    Ilori also highlighted that local ARV manufacturing would enhance access to treatment, especially in remote and underserved communities, while reducing the burden on the country’s health budget. “This move will protect us from global supply shocks and allow us to respond to our health needs with our own technical and industrial capacity,” she said. As part of a broader national strategy, NACA is also working with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to ensure people living with HIV are covered under the national insurance scheme.

    Read Also: Court restores EFCC’s interim forfeiture order on Yahaya Bello’s ‘properties’

    The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the initiative, approving a $200 million intervention fund to bridge HIV financing gaps and establishing the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) to support local pharmaceutical production. “This level of political commitment is key,” Dr. Ilori said. “But we must now translate it into real, measurable outcomes.”

    In her welcome address, Dr. Folakemi Animasahaun, CEO of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), called for greater subnational investment in the HIV response, urging states and local governments to take proactive leadership. “When global support fades, only those who’ve built resilient systems will stand,” she said. “Lagos cannot go it alone—we need every LGA, every state, every partner.” She proposed a new national compact built on five pillars: local financing, community leadership, integrated services, data accountability, and a shared goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

    In a powerful speech, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, called for bold action to end stigma, especially against young people born with HIV. “These children are victims of circumstances. Yet they face isolation once their status becomes known. We must normalise care, protect their dignity, and eliminate discrimination wherever it exists.” She advocated for the integration of HIV services into mental health, reproductive health, and community programmes, stressing the importance of sustained anti-stigma campaigns.

    This year’s Council,with the theme: “Advancing National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid,” gathered key stakeholders from across government, development agencies, civil society, and the private sector to chart a new path for Nigeria’s HIV response. The consensus was clear: Nigeria has the tools, the talent, and the momentum to take charge of its HIV fight. What’s needed now is coordinated, sustained effort at all levels of government and society. “The road ahead will demand innovation, resilience, and ownership,” said Dr. Ilori. “But we have what it takes to not just sustain progress—we can accelerate it.”

  • NACA ramps up efforts to end HIV by 2030 amid declining global support

    NACA ramps up efforts to end HIV by 2030 amid declining global support

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is stepping up efforts to achieve Nigeria’s 2030 goal of eliminating HIV as a public health threat, even as international donor funding continues to wane.

    As of 2023, about 140,000 children under the age of 14 are living with HIV in Nigeria, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded among children. 

    The coverage for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and pediatric HIV remains below 33%—a far cry from the 95% global target.

    To address these gaps, NACA Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, announced that the 7th meeting of the National Council on AIDS (NCA) will take place in Lagos this August.

    Organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS, the meeting will focus on the theme: “Advancing National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid.”

    Dr. Ilori, who also chairs the Council, said the gathering would provide a critical platform for re-aligning Nigeria’s HIV response to match shifting global aid policies. 

    She added that the forum will unite stakeholders across various sectors—tuberculosis, malaria, reproductive health, civil society, faith-based groups, donors, and development partners—for comprehensive and coordinated action.

    “As donor landscapes evolve, Nigeria must take bold steps to ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, and support remain accessible and resilient. 

    Read Also: NOA, NACA partner to strengthen HIV prevention

    “The Council offers us a unified platform to chart that future,” Dr. Ilori said, emphasizing the strategic importance of the meeting.

    The gathering, the DG said, will review the implementation of resolutions adopted during the 6th NCA and evaluate Nigeria’s progress toward HIV sustainability goals, adding that it will also set technical and strategic direction for the next phase of the country’s HIV response.

    She, however, emphasised that a communique outlining outcomes and next steps will be issued at the end of the deliberations.

    In a statement on Thursday by the Chairman of the event’s Planning Committee, Dr. Daniel Ndukwe, the meeting will feature technical sessions over two days, followed by a one-day Council session where key decisions and policy directions will be adopted, she said.

    Ndukwe, urged stakeholders to submit policy and implementation memoranda for consideration ahead of the meeting. 

    These inputs, he said, could help shape future policy and operational frameworks.

    Delegates expected at the meeting include State Commissioners for Health, Heads of State Agencies for the Control of AIDS (SACAs), officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, directors from NACA and sister agencies, representatives of civil society, patient advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and donor and development partners from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to him, the agenda includes three thematic tracks: advancing the national HIV sustainability agenda in a changing global aid landscape; promoting multi-sectoral approaches to HIV and related developmental diseases; and strengthening sub-national structures to improve health systems and ensure sustainable responses.

    A special gala night hosted by the Governor of Lagos State will recognize key stakeholders and celebrate progress made in the fight against HIV in Nigeria.

    The National Council on AIDS was established under the NACA Act of 2006 as the apex body guiding Nigeria’s multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS response. 

    It also provides policy direction, fosters stakeholder engagement, and coordinates strategic planning to advance the national goal of ending the HIV epidemic.

  • Children’s Day: NACA demands caregivers’ commitment to HIV-free generation

    Children’s Day: NACA demands caregivers’ commitment to HIV-free generation

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the health and future of Nigerian children by strengthening efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

    In a message commemorating this year’s Children’s Day, NACA Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized that every child deserves a healthy start to life, free from HIV. 

    To achieve this, the DG said it is incumbent on healthcare providers to ensure quality, respectful care for women and children.

    She also urged healthcare workers to provide quality, respectful care to women and children, while calling on community and faith-based organizations to intensify awareness campaigns and combat stigma.

    In addition, families and caregivers were urged to support women to access and adhere to treatment.

    She noted that the call has become necessary because, despite significant progress, thousands of children in Nigeria are still born with HIV each year, a tragedy that is entirely preventable.

    In her Children’s Day message on Tuesday, Ilori, however, stressed that Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services remains one of the most effective strategies in ending pediatric HIV and ensuring that no child is born with the virus.

    “Children’s Day is a reminder that we must do everything within our power to protect the next generation. 

    Read Also: NOA, NACA partner to strengthen HIV prevention

    “This includes ensuring that every pregnant woman has access to early testing, and if positive, is put on treatment, and continuous care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding,” she said.

    While acknowledging the strides Nigeria has made in expanding PMTCT coverage, Ilori noted that critical gaps still exist, many of which are worsened by stigma and discrimination that deter women from seeking care.

    “An HIV-free generation is possible, but only if we act with urgency and compassion.

    Together, let’s celebrate our children by protecting their right to be born free of HIV,” Ilori added.

  • NACA allays fears over HIV drugs supplies

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has assured Nigerians, especially those living with HIV, that there is no cause for concern, as the country has taken steps to maintain a steady supply of antiretroviral drugs.  

    The agency’s Director General (DG) Temitope Ilori noted that despite recent concerns raised by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Government has taken proactive steps to prevent any potential shortage of HIV medication.

     She said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.07 billion to finance the healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) program.

    Additionally, she said the Federal government also approved ₦4.8 billion for HIV treatment, while the Nigerian Senate also recently allocated an additional ₦300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget. 

    These allocations, according to the DG in a statement on Wednesday, are part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of the US government’s aid pause and close the immediate funding gap.

    While acknowledging the US government’s support and partnership over the past two decades, the DG emphasized that the Nigerian government sees the funding pause as an opportunity to mobilize resources, take ownership, and ensure the sustainability of HIV response in the country.

    Read Also: NHIA, NACA partner to boost health insurance coverage for people living with HIV

    “We want to assure Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that there is no shortage of drugs and consumables, and no immediate stop of services for HIV treatment, testing, and prevention in Nigeria. 

    “Our treatment centers and pharmacies will continue to have sufficient anti-retroviral drugs, ensuring uninterrupted access to care.

    NACA remains committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality HIV prevention, treatment, and care services,” Ilori said.

  • NHIA, NACA partner to boost health insurance coverage for people living with HIV

    NHIA, NACA partner to boost health insurance coverage for people living with HIV

    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) have joined forces to improve healthcare access for vulnerable groups, especially People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

    The partnership was announced by NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday.

    He emphasised that the goal is to provide financial protection and better healthcare services for people living with HIV.

    “This collaboration is a major step toward ensuring financial security for vulnerable groups, improving their quality of life, and making sure they can access the healthcare they need,” Ohiri stated.

    “By strengthening health insurance, we are making progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”

    Similarly, NACA Director General, Dr Temitope Ilori, led her team to a meeting with NHIA to discuss sustainable healthcare solutions.

    She emphasised the need to expand health insurance coverage to over 19 million Nigerians, increase support for vulnerable groups, including People Living with HIV, integrate HIV and tuberculosis treatment into NHIA’s health insurance benefits, and boost domestic funding to sustain healthcare programs for long-term impact.

    Dr. Ilori noted that these efforts would improve access to essential healthcare services and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    “Collaboration is key to a healthier future!” NACA posted on its official X account.

    Read Also: PTAD, NHIA partner on healthcare access for pensioners

    Nigeria currently has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4% among people aged 15-64, with an estimated 2 million Nigerians living with the virus. Of these, about 1.6 million are on treatment.

    A 2023 UNAIDS report revealed that approximately 160,000 children under 14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurring each year.

    Despite efforts to curb the spread, Nigeria’s prevention of mother-to-child transmission remains below 33%, far from the 95% target.

    With this new collaboration, NHIA and NACA aim to close the gap in access to treatment and ensure better health outcomes for people living with HIV in Nigeria.

  • We are committed to ending aids by 2030, tackles mother-to-child transmission – NACA

    We are committed to ending aids by 2030, tackles mother-to-child transmission – NACA

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is actively working to create an enabling environment to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, according to its Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the Kwara State PMTCT and Paediatrics ART Acceleration Plan Committee in Ilorin, Dr. Ilori acknowledged the persistent challenges in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. 

    She emphasised the need for sustained efforts to address the issue and improve access to life-saving interventions.

    Ilori said: “UNAIDS 2023 reports indicate that approximately 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurring annually. 

    “Despite progress, PMTCT and paediatric HIV coverage remains below 33%, far from the 95% target. To address this, the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children was developed in 2021 with full financial support, yet coverage remains suboptimal. 

    “The federal government has established a national acceleration committee, and we are replicating this model at the state level to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and enhance real-time program monitoring.

    “Another pressing challenge is our continued reliance on donor support. Over the past few days, I have received numerous calls regarding the implications of the 90-day foreign aid suspension on our HIV programme.

    Read Also: NACA DG to Nigerians at Yuletide: prioritise your health 

    “While we are relieved that HIV services remain exempt, this situation underscores the need for government-led sustainability efforts. Our approach includes: Integrating HIV services into the national health system; strengthening government-mandated structures, with partners providing technical assistance; ensuring timely release of state and local government funds for HIV programmes; developing sustainable non-health components of the response; empowering civil society to serve as advocates and community service providers, in line with the global AIDS strategy. 

    “Key initiatives include:Enrolling all individuals in the national health insurance programme; supporting domestic production of HIV commodities such as test kits and ARVs; mobilizing resources to states and strengthening advocacy efforts.Supporting vaccine research and innovation.

    “We acknowledge and commend Kwara state’s commitment to sustainability, including the development and launch of a sustainability plan. Although Kwara State’s HIV prevalence (0.8 percent) is below the national average of 1.4 percent disparities persist. Women are disproportionately affected (1.3 percent) compared to men (0.4 percent), and some local governments require targeted interventions to maintain and further reduce prevalence rates.

    “Achieving an AIDS-free generation is within reach, and no child should be born HIV-positive in Kwara State. 

    “I urge all partners to support us in developing a comprehensive line-list of children of HIV-positive clients, which is crucial to accelerating paediatric ART nationwide.”

    In a remark, Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi said that the state government’s support at the subnational will be sustained. 

    “The commitment of the state governor to the health sector will ensure that the committee achieves its mandate. We will make sure that HIV/AIDS transference in the state becomes a thing of the past,” Alabi added.

  • NACA DG, others commission Brain Centre in Ibadan

    NACA DG, others commission Brain Centre in Ibadan

    The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South) Deputy Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Olatunde Farombi and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abiodun Olatunji were among dignitaries at the commissioning of ‘Brain Centre’, a neurocritical and neurorehabilitation service hospital in Ibadan.

    The centre is conceived to be leading in neurological care, transforming lives through innovative neurocritical care and holistic rehabilitation services, while advancing brain health and well being for all.

    Ilori described the hospital as a game changer because it will bridge the critical gap in healthcare system by addressing neurological emergencies and supporting long-term recovery of patients with complex neurological conditions.

    According to her, the world-class facility, which specialises in neurocritical care and neurorehabilitation, is capable of addressing brain health especially for Person Living with HIV(PLHIV).

    She said the hospital will transform lives and elevate the standard of healthcare in Nigeria.

    She however said success of the hospital depends on collective commitment, urging all stakeholders to join hands in supporting the initiative to address challenges of brain health in Nigeria.

    The founder of the Brain Centre, Dr. Temitope Farombi, described the commissioning of the hospital as a transformative moment in the history of healthcare, saying the centre stands as a beacon of hope, innovation and excellence, committed to improving patients with neurological disorders.

    Read Also: NACA DG to Nigerians at Yuletide: prioritise your health 

    She stated that the centre is more than an hospital but a hub for cutting-edge treatments, compassionate care, impactful research and a place where patients and families will be transformed, hope be restored, and where innovation will lead the way in tackling challenges of brain health.

    “I have been trained abroad, so I know, we have the talent, what we need is the support of the government to enact policies that will retain our best hands. I decided to stay back to provide for the community support having been trained by the government for over 20 years. This is us giving back to the society and giving back to the government,” she said. 

    Olatunji lamented taking the wealth of the nation abroad to seek medical care and treatment, urging all stakeholders to join hands and revive health care system.

  • NACA DG to Nigerians at Yuletide: prioritise your health 

    NACA DG to Nigerians at Yuletide: prioritise your health 

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on all Nigerians to prioritise their health by knowing their HIV status as the holiday season begins.

    The Director General (DG) of NACA, Temitope Ilori, said Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but it also presents an opportunity to make informed and responsible decisions about one’s health.

    According to reports, Nigeria’s HIV prevalence stands at 1.4%, with 2 million people living with HIV with approximately 160,000 children living with the virus, and 22,000 new infections occur among children annually, while 15,000 AIDS-related deaths are recorded. 

    In a statement by Toyin Aderibigbe, the agency’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Ilori said knowing one’s status is a powerful step toward securing your health and protecting others.

    “We urge everyone to take advantage of the free and confidential HIV testing services available across the country,” she said.

    This, she said remains crucial as HIV remains a significant public health concern, but with advancements in testing and treatment, it is no longer a death sentence.

    Stressing that early diagnosis can ensure access to lifesaving medication and a healthier, longer life.

    “We understand that the festive season comes with increased social activities. While celebrating, let us remember the importance of safe practices.

    Read Also: 26,000 children infected with HIV in 2023—NACA 

    “Use protection during sexual activities, and for those who choose abstinence, continue to uphold it as the safest option,” the DG emphasized.

    Ilori, however, admonished that ignorance is no longer an excuse, as there is now widespread access to HIV testing and education, providing everyone with the tools to make informed choices.

    She said NACA remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing the spread of HIV and achieving an AIDS-free Nigeria.

    “This festive season, give yourself the gift of health by visiting the nearest health facility or community testing center to know your HIV status. Let us work together to create a healthier, happier Nigeria,” she said.