Tag: NACA

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensively tackle the HIV epidemic by expanding its collaboration with local and global development partners and bolstering sub-national mechanisms.

According to Temitope Ilori, Director-General (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the government is resolute in its pursuit of the 95-95-95 targets aimed at ending AIDS by 2030.

The declaration comes as a coalition of youth and adolescent groups living with the disease called for their inclusion in government programs and plans to address issues related to infection, care, spread, and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Ilori spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the maiden 2024 Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference, themed “Accelerating HIV Prevention to End AIDS through Innovations and Community Engagement,” organized by NACA.

The DG emphasized the essence of inclusivity in combating the disease, saying, “As an agency, we are ready and poised to provide leadership to drive an accelerated decline in new HIV infections.

“We are going to strengthen our multisectoral engagement starting from the State level through our State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) to deliver their mandate and ensure sustainability at the grassroots.

“We are poised to foster community engagements, participation, and leadership to keep with the global AIDS strategy.”

Additionally, she hinted that the conference will become a regular event, with plans to expand its reach to the State level, thereby facilitating greater engagement with local communities and grassroots.

“I think by then, we will have a bigger success story. We are also going to strengthen our data to make sure that we get it right,” she added.

The Country Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Leo Zekeng, commended Nigeria and NACA for their efforts, expressing confidence that Nigeria is on track to meet global targets if it addresses critical areas highlighted by the conference, including funding, data gathering, multisectoral engagement, and the involvement of key populations and youth in driving programmes and plans aimed at addressing the issue.

He stressed the importance of monitoring State-level activities and empowering them to fulfill their mandates.

Moreover, Zekeng emphasized the need to empower states through technological deployment to access support from development partners, enhancing their capacity to drive progress.

“I strongly believe that it is possible for us to reduce new infections, I strongly believe that by working together, we can end HIV/AIDS in this beautiful country, Nigeria,” he added.

Funmi Adesanya, Country Coordinator of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), stressed that policymakers must take decisive action by implementing the conference’s outcomes.

To achieve the global goal of ending HIV/AIDS, she emphasized the crucial need for policymakers to involve youths, adolescents, and key populations living with the disease in the design and implementation of programs and policies aimed at eliminating the disease in Nigeria.

Additionally, she encouraged youths and other participants to continue raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, promoting a collective effort to combat the disease.

Elizabeth Talatu, speaking on behalf of the 170 youths and adolescents who signed the communique on behalf of their groups, called for inclusive programs and policies to achieve the 95-95-95 targets and end AIDS by 2030.

Stressing that young people are eager to support sustained multisectoral efforts for HIV prevention, and urged for their meaningful involvement in the design and implementation of these initiatives, Talatu said, “We recognize that collaboration and partnerships across sectors are key in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“To this end, we call for the active involvement and engagement of multiple sectors, including health, education, youth and sports development, budget and planning, women’s affairs, and others alike in the integration of HIV prevention interventions in programs targeting adolescents and young people.”

The youths also called for the meaningful engagement of adolescents and young people living with HIV, including key populations in inter-ministerial task forces and technical working groups responsible for the coordination of multisectoral collaboration, resource mobilization, and implementation of HIV prevention programs.

Read Also: HIV/AIDS 2030: Nigeria explores options after foreign funding ends

They equally called for support for the effective implementation of comprehensive sexuality education and the strengthening of the in-school Family Life and HIV Education Program in Nigeria, saying, “We affirm the importance of integrating sustainable HIV prevention strategies and recognize the urgent need for comprehensive and enduring solutions. We call for the meaningful youth engagement of adolescents and young people in all their diversities in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating HIV prevention strategies and interventions through established technical working groups and mechanisms.”

They also called for the integration of HIV prevention into existing health and development programs targeting adolescents and young people, including sexual reproductive health and rights, economic empowerment, mental health, sexual and gender-based violence, and education.

“We call for a multi-stakeholder approach to the development of mobile health applications and online platforms for HIV education, self-testing, adherence support, and virtual counseling services tailored to the needs and preferences of adolescent and young people living with HIV, including key populations.

“We stress the need for ensuring the health and rights of key populations (KP) living with HIV as a cornerstone of our HIV prevention agenda by prioritizing comprehensive care, empowerment, and advocacy for KP communities” she added.

As part of its efforts to achieve the goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has commenced the enlistment of the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with social media skills and tools.

This initiative aims to not only prepare them for life’s socioeconomic challenges after the national service period but also to empower them to become advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness.

The agency highlighted the importance of this step, stating that it is crucial for the country’s commitment to achieving the 2030 elimination target for HIV/AIDS, identifying youth corps members as essential in reaching out to the Nigerian youth demographic about HIV/AIDS.

In line with this objective, the agency held a workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, aimed at equipping some youth corps members and selected interns with the skills and tools needed to effectively convey relevant HIV/AIDS awareness messages and content on social media platforms to their peers.

In her opening remarks, Temitope Ilori, the Director General of NACA, emphasized the significance of social media in communication, advocacy, and community engagement.

Presented by Toyin Aderibigbe, the agency’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, the DG underscored NACA’s dedication to leveraging social media to amplify its message, share crucial information, and foster meaningful discussions on HIV/AIDS-related matters.

According to her, the workshop symbolizes NACA’s continuous endeavor to involve youth in combating HIV/AIDS and harnessing the potential of social media for impactful advocacy.

She said: “As we gather here, we recognize the tremendous potential that lies within this room. You, the vibrant and digitally savvy youths, represent a generation that is intimately familiar with the language of social media – a language that holds the key to reaching and engaging large audience like never before.

“In our increasingly digital world, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for communication, advocacy, and community engagement. Its reach knows no bounds, transcending geographical barriers and connecting us to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

“For us at NACA, utilizing the power of social media is a necessity. Whether it’s raising awareness about prevention methods, combating stigma and discrimination, or promoting access to testing and treatment services, social media provides us with a platform to make a tangible impact”.

The workshop focused on crafting content that prompts tangible social behavior change, aligning seamlessly with NACA’s goals.

Read Also: HIV/AIDS: NACA to tackle mother-to-child transmission frontally

Upon the workshop’s conclusion, participants acquired the tools and knowledge necessary to craft compelling content that engages communities and motivates action.

On assuming the role of voluntary advocates for NACA’s initiatives, participants were encouraged to convey NACA’s message with confidence and zeal, using their social media platforms to actively engage and influence others.

While commending the dedication of the participants to community service and their openness to adopting innovative engagement approaches, she also appreciated them for their commitment to combatting HIV/AIDS and encouraged them to seize every opportunity to effect change, one post, one share, and one action at a time.

In line with the ongoing efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 in Nigeria, it was revealed on Tuesday that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the University College Hospital (UCH), and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), will collaborate in various areas such as research, grants, and scaling up.

Temitope Ilori, the Director General (DG) of NACA, underscored the importance of this partnership, particularly as Nigeria continues to face significant challenges with the disease, even as the global target date approaches.

She emphasized the necessity of preparing for the aftermath of the target date, highlighting the importance of being proactive, adding that the collaboration with UCH and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI) where HIV/AIDS research originated in Nigeria, will aid in this preparation.

During her visit to the College of Medicine, UI, Ilori stated that her field trip to Ibadan, to conduct a fact-finding assessment of the current situation to determine what actions were required moving forward.

According to the DG, who was an alumna of the College, this could only be accomplished through personalized interactions with individuals living with the disease, caregivers, assessments of facilities, and collaboration with critical stakeholders.

She said: “The field trip is about interactions with all our stakeholders one-on-one to have their responses to what the government and its partners have been providing towards addressing their issues.

“Also, we deemed it necessary to seek further collaboration with key stakeholders as we march towards the elimination of the disease as a public health threat.

“The College of Medicine has supported the HIV programme very strongly. It is on record that a lot of our very distinguished scholars have done outstanding research on treatment and other issues concerning HIV/AIDS.

“So, we are here to learn more and and to see how best we can collaborate being the national agency responsible for the mutlisectoral collaboration and coordination of HIV/AIDS responses and we are committed to doing this ridiculously.

“This partnership becomes more pertinent when we know that as we speak, Nigeria, unfortunately has the highest global burden of children born with HIV/AIDS, so, we really need to work very hard at prevention mother-to-child-transmission of the disease and that’s why it is one of our priorities areas”.

In response, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, the first female Provost of the College since the inception of the College in 1948, expressed her enthusiasm about the potential partnership.

The Provost highlighted the College’s history of producing trailblazers in the field of HIV/AIDS, including Prof. Babatunde Oshotimehin, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Prof. David Tam West, among several others, who have served the nation in various capacities.

She emphasized that the College is open to collaboration due to its research capabilities and access to grants that could benefit the agency.

Additionally, she mentioned the College’s global exposure, which could provide valuable resources for mentorship and other areas where the agency might need assistance.

Earlier, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, also expressed the hospital’s readiness to collaborate with the agency.

Read Also: HIV/AIDS: NACA to tackle mother-to-child transmission frontally

He highlighted the ongoing global efforts to reduce disease prevalence but emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, especially with the potential withdrawal of donor funds and Nigeria’s persistent challenge of mother-to-child transmission.

The CMD however suggested that the DG should explore the feasibility of introducing modern personalized HIV/AIDS testing kits similar to home pregnancy tests, noting that such kits could enhance detection rates by enabling individuals to test themselves at home, potentially increasing voluntary testing rates.

Furthermore, he urged the DG to consider strategies for reducing the cost of HIV/AIDS treatment, noting that the current free treatment model may not be sustainable in the long term.

Lowering treatment costs, he emphasized, would significantly impact disease prevalence rates.

The Federal government has pledged to tackle head-on the issue of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, aligning with the global goal to eliminate the disease as an epidemic in the country by 2030.

According to Temitope Ilori, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Nigeria still grapples with the highest burden of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, despite concerted efforts by the government and its partners.

During her first official field tour since assuming office in a meeting in Ibadan with Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Adewumi Ajetumobi, Ilori emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, highlighting its potential to impede the progress Nigeria has achieved in combating the disease.

To combat this, Ilori urged pregnant women to utilize healthcare facilities across the country staffed with trained personnel to receive necessary care and medication.

To achieve this goal, she urged pregnant women to utilize healthcare facilities nationwide staffed with trained personnel for comprehensive care and medication.

Additionally, she highlighted the agency’s forward-thinking approach, emphasizing a Sustainable Agenda aimed at ensuring the country’s ownership of efforts in the event of donor fatigue or withdrawal while revealing collaborative strategies with government at sub-national levels.

“In the area of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMCT), it is unfortunate that Nigeria still has the highest burden of children born with HIV AIDS and therefore this is a key priority area where we want to work more assiduously.

“This is to ensure that our mothers and our women are educated and informed that they should visit health centres when they are pregnant; health centres where they have trained personnel to take the delivery because most of the transmission takes place perinatally.

“So we’re going to increase our advocacy, sensitization and awareness on this to ensure that women seek help in the centre where they will have access to trained caregivers and medications to have low viral loads or virally suppressed which will naturally eliminate transmission to the unborn children.

“So this is a key area we want to look at. And I’m happy that you (Oyo State) are already at the state level, engaging traditional birth attendants

“We’re going to reach out not only to the health workers, we are even going to mission homes, our religious leaders, traditional leaders, the birth attendants will not be left behind.

“We therefore call on everybody to come on board and try to stem the tide of HIV AIDS and meet the target that says by 2030, HIV AIDS should no longer be a public health threat and to eliminate the epidemic”.

While outlining the need for concerted efforts at addressing the issue, Ilori, however, commended Oyo State, through the activities of Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OySACA) with the assurance of NACA’s financial and technical assistance.

She noted that the State’s Sustainability plan through its Alignment 2.0, mirrors NACA’s Sustainability agenda, an initiative that involves the development of a new business model to ensure ownership of sustainability using government resources, recognizing that partners may withdraw support eventually.

She said: “On the national response which you are very familiar with, I know Oyo State has domesticated the political declaration that talks about 95-95-95, whereby 95% of the general population should be tested and know their status and 95% of these people should be on medication and treatment while 95% of them should have viral suppression.

“It is very important that we know the people assessing health, how easy for the vulnerable people in the custodial centres, the key population, sex workers, people using drugs, men having sex with men, these are people we need to reach out to in the national response because research has shown us that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is naturally higher within these key population and if we do not tackle them, then obviously we’ve not addressed national response very squarely.

“We’re doing very well as a nation, in achieving this target and with what the Permanent Secretary said concerning Oyo State figures, I think they’re also trying to meet up with this global target.

“It is commendable that Oyo State has the Gender and Stigmatization law in place, working with other relevant agencies with lots of discrimination agenda in the gender issues in the area of HIV AIDS”.

In her remarks, the State Health Commissioner, Ajetumobi, emphasized that Oyo State is actively pursuing its Sustainability plan which includes conducting community awareness campaigns and involving religious leaders to encourage people to take responsibility for their health instead of solely relying on government intervention.