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Tag: NACA

  • NACA seeks concerted response against HIV

    NACA seeks concerted response against HIV

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said that Nigerians must be resolute in confronting the challenges posed by the HIV epidemic as they bask in the Easter celebration.

    The Director General of the agency, Temitope Ilori, who emphasised that Easter is a time of reflection, renewal and hope noted that the values of Easter of compassion, unity, and resilience align with NACA’s vision to combat the disease.

    In a statement by Toyin Aderibigbe, NACA’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol on Saturday, Ilori noted that Easter symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and love over despair.

    She said: “As we commemorate this significant occasion, we are reminded of the values of compassion, unity, and resilience – values that resonate deeply with NACA’s mission to combat HIV/AIDS and promote the well-being of all Nigerians.

    Read Also: Tinubu names Ilori NACA DG, Alabo George as BCDA DG

    “In confronting the challenges posed by the HIV epidemic, the spirit of Easter inspires us to stand together, resolute in our commitment to overcoming obstacles and building a brighter future for all Nigerians.”

    Extending her best wishes to all Christians for a blessed Easter filled with peace, joy, and the blessings of renewal, the DG said, “May this season bring comfort and strength to all those affected by HIV/AIDS, and may our collective efforts continue to bring hope and progress in our fight against the epidemic”.

  • NACA: six in 10 living with HIV females

    NACA: six in 10 living with HIV females

    Six of 10 persons living with HIV in the country are females, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said.

    As the agency commemorates this year’s International Women’s Day, it highlighted that young women are three times more likely to encounter life-threatening health challenges compared to men in the same age group.

    NACA Director-General (DG), Gambo Aliyu, said this year’s theme: “Invest in women, accelerate progress” aligns closely with the agency’s dedication to promoting gender equality and tackling the unique challenges encountered by women living with HIV/AIDS.

    In a statement, Aliyu lamented that young women in Nigeria are three times more likely to be living with HIV than men.

    Noting that six out of 10 persons living with HIV in the country are females, Aliyu stressed the need to invest in women.

    “Investing in women is not just a financial commitment; it’s an investment in the sustainable progress of our societies.

    Read Also: NACA advocates HIV test for every pregnant Nigerian

    “When we empower women, we create a transformative effect that positively impacts families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” he said.

    Aliyu reaffirmed NACA’s dedication to empowering women and girls while recognising their role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    He said the agency remains steadfast in promoting inclusive policies, ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare, and fostering education to empower women to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

    “Through targeted interventions and community engagement, we strive to create an environment that protects and uplifts the dignity of every woman,” Aliyu noted.

    The DG commended individuals, organisations, and partners for their efforts in advancing women’s rights and the global HIV/AIDS response while urging everyone to continue their efforts without wavering.

    “Together, let us continue to work towards a future where every woman can live free from the burden of HIV/AIDS,” he added.

  • Valentine’s Day 2024: NACA advocates safe celebrations, abstinence

    Valentine’s Day 2024: NACA advocates safe celebrations, abstinence

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has encouraged the public to prioritize their safety and well-being while expressing affection during this year’s Valentine’s Day.

    While reiterating NACA’s dedication to fostering a healthy and responsible observance of love, the agency’s Director General (DG), Gambo Aliyu, emphasized that as Valentine’s Day approaches, individuals should not disregard the risk of undermining the country’s efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030 through reckless behaviour, especially considering the ongoing global health situation.

    In a statement on Sunday, February 11, by Toyin Aderibigbe, NACA’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Aliyu was quoted as saying, “As people celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, we want everyone to enjoy it while prioritizing their well-being. “NACA encourages individuals to adopt a comprehensive approach to love, which includes open communication, mutual respect, and responsible choices.”

    Aliyu urged the general public to incorporate protection into intimate moments, undergo regular HIV testing and engage in conversations about sexual health with their partners.

    According to him, “These measures contribute not only to personal health but also to the broader goal of building safer and healthier communities.

    Read Also: NACA advocates HIV test for every pregnant Nigerian

    “Love is a powerful force, and by embracing responsible practices, we can ensure that it enriches our lives without compromising our health.

    NACA is dedicated to providing resources, information, and support to empower individuals in making informed choices.”

    According to Aderibigbe, towards the Valentine’s Day celebration, NACA will conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the significance of both abstinence and safe sex practices, ensuring everyone stays well informed.

    The agency aims to create an environment where love is celebrated responsibly, fostering a community that is both supportive and health-conscious, the statement added.

  • NACA advocates HIV test for every pregnant Nigerian

    NACA advocates HIV test for every pregnant Nigerian

    The Director-General (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Aliyu Gambo, has declared that Nigeria aims to halt the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by 2025, surpassing the global target of 2023 by five years.

    The DG said the agency plans to not only enhance the strategies employed in previous years, which led to a significant reduction in the prevalence rate of the disease in the outgoing year but also implement the community-centered strategy, designed to reach every household, determine the members’ status, and take immediate action.

    However, he emphasized that a crucial aspect of achieving the 2025 goal is the imperative for every pregnant woman in the country to undergo HIV tests.

    He stated that once identified, Nigeria possesses the capability to prevent mother-to-child infection, ultimately bringing an end to the spread of the virus.

    During the annual end-of-the-year media parley on Tuesday in Abuja, Gambo emphasized that the HIV test for pregnant women is essential to guarantee that no child is born in Nigeria with the virus.

    Acknowledging Nigeria’s significant progress in curbing the spread of the disease, as reflected in NACA’s database, compared to several decades ago when it first emerged, the DG underscored the importance of support from community leaders and the populace in achieving the goal, saying, “What support do we need?

    “The support we need is for the community leadership to realize that there is absolutely no reason for any unborn child in our communities to be born with HIV and the only way we can ensure that is to make sure that our community, political, religious and traditional leaders are all alive to the reality that every pregnant woman within the community has to have HIV test.

    “For one good reason – to make sure that that one child is the only one with HIV in that community. The goal is to make sure that no child is born with HIV”.

    According to him, the latest community-based advocacy has been successfully deployed elsewhere, saying, “This has happened and is happening in other parts of the world.

    “Even though these places are not as populous as Nigeria but then, even as big as our population is, if others have done it, of course we can do it.

    “The only thing is to have the conviction within us and for our community leaders to take that responsibility of leading and telling every member of the community that every pregnant woman must have HIV test done on the pregnancy to make sure that the baby that is going to be born is born free of HIV.

    “The good thing is, once we identify the HIV-positive pregnant mother, we have a 100 percent success rate of preventing mother-to-child transmission.

    “The drugs, the test, the personnel, the entire process are available everywhere”.

    Expanding on the importance of community involvement in the fight against HIV, Gambo emphasized that despite achieving commendable milestones recognized by the United States government, the Global Fund, and the Nigerian government, the ongoing concern revolves around individuals carrying the virus who are unaware of their status.

    He said: “When I remember times past and I see where we are today, I always feel that the work we are doing is gradually and on an incremental basis becoming successful and impactful.

    “Since it has no cure, the task is to identify those people that carry the virus within our communities and make sure we control it and keep it there. That’s it, it can’t come out

    “But there is a bigger task, some of the people that have the virus don’t know they have it because they didn’t subject themselves to the test

    “Now, how do we work with community leaders, create that awareness, for the community leaders to understand that no matter the amount put into the fight against HIV/AIDS is going to end it will be successful without the support of the community.

    “That is why, going forward from now till December 2025, the time we believe we should reach that bus stop, we will continue to emphasize the community.

    “We will go out there into the community and in 2024, you will see us more visible in the community.

    “So, we are very hopeful that by 2025, we should be able to reach that bus stop, five years earlier than the global target.

    “By that time, we will look at the global community and tell them that yes, we did it”.

    The DG expressed gratitude to media practitioners for being valuable partners in disseminating essential information and creating awareness about the disease, ensuring that the message reaches every Nigerian.

    “Because of that, people opened their doors and listened to us, people agreed to fight stigma and discrimination because of the traction you gave us

    “We are now at a point where people come forward to demand HIV testing, to find out about their status, and when some of them find out they have the virus, they have that courage to come forward and demand treatment and our services, which was not possible some decade ago” he noted.

    Nigeria aims to halt the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by 2025, surpassing the global target of 2023 by five years.

    The DG said the agency plans to not only enhance the strategies employed in previous years, which led to a significant reduction in the prevalence rate of the disease in the outgoing year but also implement the community-centered strategy, designed to reach every household, determine the members’ status, and take immediate action.

    However, he emphasized that a crucial aspect of achieving the 2025 goal is the imperative for every pregnant woman in the country to undergo HIV tests.

    He stated that once identified, Nigeria possesses the capability to prevent mother-to-child infection, ultimately bringing an end to the spread of the virus.

    During the annual end-of-the-year media parley on Tuesday in Abuja, Gambo emphasized that the HIV test for pregnant women is essential to guarantee that no child is born in Nigeria with the virus.

    Acknowledging Nigeria’s significant progress in curbing the spread of the disease, as reflected in NACA’s database, compared to several decades ago when it first emerged, the DG underscored the importance of support from community leaders and the populace in achieving the goal, saying, “What support do we need?

    “The support we need is for the community leadership to realize that there is absolutely no reason for any unborn child in our communities to be born with HIV and the only way we can ensure that is to make sure that our community, political, religious and traditional leaders are all alive to the reality that every pregnant woman within the community has to have HIV test.

    “For one good reason – to make sure that that one child is the only one with HIV in that community. The goal is to make sure that no child is born with HIV”.

    According to him, the latest community-based advocacy has been successfully deployed elsewhere, saying, “This has happened and is happening in other parts of the world.

    “Even though these places are not as populous as Nigeria but then, even as big as our population is, if others have done it, of course we can do it.

    “The only thing is to have the conviction within us and for our community leaders to take that responsibility of leading and telling every member of the community that every pregnant woman must have HIV test done on the pregnancy to make sure that the baby that is going to be born is born free of HIV.

    “The good thing is, once we identify the HIV-positive pregnant mother, we have a 100 percent success rate of preventing mother-to-child transmission.

    “The drugs, the test, the personnel, the entire process are available everywhere”.

    Expanding on the importance of community involvement in the fight against HIV, Gambo emphasized that despite achieving commendable milestones recognized by the United States government, the Global Fund, and the Nigerian government, the ongoing concern revolves around individuals carrying the virus who are unaware of their status.

    He said: “When I remember times past and I see where we are today, I always feel that the work we are doing is gradually and on an incremental basis becoming successful and impactful.

    “Since it has no cure, the task is to identify those people that carry the virus within our communities and make sure we control it and keep it there. That’s it, it can’t come out

    “But there is a bigger task, some of the people that have the virus don’t know they have it because they didn’t subject themselves to the test

    Read Also: NACA engages African regional stakeholders to improve HIV prevention services

    “Now, how do we work with community leaders, create that awareness, for the community leaders to understand that no matter the amount put into the fight against HIV/AIDS is going to end it will be successful without the support of the community.

    “That is why, going forward from now till December 2025, the time we believe we should reach that bus stop, we will continue to emphasize the community.

    “We will go out there into the community and in 2024, you will see us more visible in the community.

    “So, we are very hopeful that by 2025, we should be able to reach that bus stop, five years earlier than the global target.

    “By that time, we will look at the global community and tell them that yes, we did it”.

    The DG expressed gratitude to media practitioners for being valuable partners in disseminating essential information and creating awareness about the disease, ensuring that the message reaches every Nigerian.

    “Because of that, people opened their doors and listened to us, people agreed to fight stigma and discrimination because of the traction you gave us

    “We are now at a point where people come forward to demand HIV testing, to find out about their status, and when some of them find out they have the virus, they have that courage to come forward and demand treatment and our services, which was not possible some decade ago” he noted.

  • NACA engages African regional stakeholders to improve HIV prevention services

    NACA engages African regional stakeholders to improve HIV prevention services

    In its bid to improve and deepen HIV prevention services in Nigeria and other African countries, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has engaged with stakeholders from West and Central Africa to share ideas and compare notes on HIV prevention strategies. During a three-day meeting in Lagos, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, the Director-General of NACA, emphasised the importance of the Regional Technical Meeting of West and Central Africa Champions, highlighting its focus on enhancing data management systems for prevention, ensuring a response rooted in evidence.

     This collaborative event provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange valuable insights, experiences, and strategies in the ongoing battle against the HIV pandemic. In his opening remarks, Dr. Aliyu underscored the progress made, citing the ‘UNAIDS Estimates 2022,’ which revealed a notable decline in HIV prevalence from its peak of 5.8 per cent in 2001 to 1.4 per cent in 2022 among the adult population. This gathering marked a crucial moment in the collective effort to combat HIV, fostering cross-country learning and strengthening the region’s approach to prevention. “This meeting represents a significant step in our collective effort to combat HIV prevention in our region. NACA has the sole mandate of coordinating the HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria. Modest achievements have been accomplished in the coordination and ownership of the HIV/AIDS response at all levels. As a nation, we have moved rapidly on many frontiers. For instance, New HIV infection among the adult population declined by 39 per cent among adult females, 41 per cent among adult males and 10 per cent among children between 2019 and 2021 (UNAIDS Estimates 2022).

     “Nigeria, as one of the Global Prevention Coalition Countries, has continued to prioritise HIV prevention. Some of the most recent efforts include the completion of the national prevention self-assessment tool and the ongoing sub-national PSAT. We are currently focusing on strengthening the data management systems for prevention to ensure evidence-informed response. We also are working on a New Business Model that is geared toward a more efficient and sustainable response to HIV. In conclusion, let me emphasise that the fight against HIV/AIDS is a collective effort. Together, we can make a difference. Our commitment to the well-being of our people and future generations is unwavering.”

     Also speaking, Programme Director, SSLN, Kerry Mangold, said the South to South HIV Prevention Learning Network was an initiative of the Global HIV Prevention Coalition that aimed to support HIV prevention programme optimisation through the facilitation of shared country learning and networking. She added that 15 countries had so far opted into Phase Two of the SSLN that began in March 2022, up from the 10 countries engaged in Phase One. The SSLN member countries are organised into three sub-regional clusters, namely, East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Sudan); Southern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana), and Western and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) and Côte d’Ivoire).

    Read Also: NACA partners journalists, social media influencers on HIV/AIDS stigma

     These nations represented a diversity in experience informed by geographic location in the region, countries’ HIV epidemic contexts, nature/maturity of national HIV prevention programmes, and their journey with SSLN. All four countries in the West and Central Africa (WCA) region have submitted applications for the Global Fund 2023- 2025 grant period. Participants said the sub-regional meeting provides an excellent opportunity for each of these four countries to reflect on its HIV prevention efforts and to learn from each other’s experiences. “It will also enable the identification of national prevention priorities and areas for more significant support and synergy across the prevention pillars. The meeting objectives are for nominated SSLN Champions to review progress made since the Pan-Prevention Meeting held in May 2023, especially regarding commitments made at the meeting and progress towards implementing action plans, learning agendas and technical assistance plans; share best practices for developing and scaling sustainable HIV prevention programme service delivery; validate technical assistance needs and learning agendas for countries and recommend cross-learning in the West and Central Africa sub-region; strengthen the working relationship among SSLN team members; explore SSLN scale down to sub-national.”

  • NACA partners journalists, social media influencers on HIV/AIDS stigma

    NACA partners journalists, social media influencers on HIV/AIDS stigma

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said it will not cease to collaborate with everyone or groups that can aid the 2030 target date for the ending of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Nigeria.

    The current prevalence figure of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the country is put at 1.3 percent of around 1.92 million Nigerians that have the virus, while records put Nigeria as number four globally when it comes to the actual number of people living with the virus

    The Director General (DG) of the agency, Gambo Aliyu, at the opening of a two-day workshop for social media influencers and journalists on the stigma attached to the disease in Abuja, said the agency is not unaware of the effectiveness and reach of the social media. 

     According to him, the agency had been vigorous in its mass media advocacy to spread awareness of the disease because the grassroots is a critical sector in the fight against the disease but events have shown how potent and effective the social media is.

    He said the agency is not ready to let up such a medium because of its reach and its demographics and that was the push to bring social media influencers on board.

    He said: “The mission of NACA brings me to the purpose of this Workshop. We all know that social media has become an influential platform for shaping public opinion; it can play a crucial role in reducing the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus and combating stigma and discrimination by being equipped with adequate knowledge and understanding to help reduce the spread of fake news, misinformation and/or misconception on HIV/AIDS and other related diseases. 

    Read Also: HIV/AIDS: Intimate incoming govt of our successes, Buhari tells transition council

    “Our aim for organizing this Workshop is to solicit your support at achieving this Mission by being our advocates on social media and traditional media platforms in ending AIDS by the year 2030”. 

    While acknowledging the World Health Organization (WHO) and AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) Public Health Initiative for their support over the years in the fight against the deadly and for making the Workshop a reality, the DG said, “We believe this is doable. Please join us in fighting AIDS to finish in Nigeria”.

    We are confident that this Workshop shall be very interactive and achieve its purpose. We expect that you will create content to reflect the objectives of this Workshop. 

    The two-day workshop which had social media influencers and selected journalists in attendance exposed the participants to technical and social issues surrounding the disease with presentations and real-life testimonies.

  • End of AIDS in sight, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said that the end of the spread of Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is in sight in Nigeria.

    He made the remark during the announcement of the result of the Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

    He urged the various agencies and partners to work together collectively towards pushing out the last aspect of the disease in Nigeria.

    He said “Today is a critical turning point in Nigeria for a HIV epidemic that has killed many of our countrymen and women. The end of AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is truly in sight for our country. Let us therefore work collectively and “push for the last mile.”

    READ ALSO: Osinbajo: we’re closer to ending AIDS epidemic

    Over the last two decades, he said, that the Federal Government and development partners have continued to expend significant resources in the fight against HIV with less than commensurate impact on the disease burden.

    He noted that the availability of accurate and reliable HIV data for the country is crucial for planning effective health interventions to arrest the HIV epidemic and ultimately rid the country of the health threat.

    He said “Recently, the national HIV programme and our development partners have faced challenges in measuring progress against targets and efficiently utilizing scarce resources due to gaps in our HIV data.

    “Since my assumption of office, this Administration has paid particular and deliberate attention to careful planning as a way of implementing effective policies and achieving sustained change.

    “The Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey is therefore in line with our government’s determination of ensuring sustainable solutions to our development challenges. The survey and its results have come at the right time as we commence the full implementation of the National Health Act that will ensure that every Nigerian has access to comprehensive health services.

    “The Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey was designed to provide the data we need to plan adequately and consolidate on the progress towards the elimination of HIV in Nigeria. We are already a step ahead in this regard, as the Federal government has ensured that the HIV treatment programme in Taraba and Abia is properly funded this year and accommodation made to resource future expansions in the coming years.

    “I am pleased to report that this survey has provided Government with the crucial information needed to enable the national HIV response to move forward and plan for a more sustainable and accountable programme based on credible scientific data.

     “I am aware that our development partners have committed enormous resources in supporting Nigeria to conduct this survey. I particularly wish to thank the United States Government, the Global Fund, the United Nations agencies and technical partners for their significant contributions towards this survey.

    “The Federal Government was committed to the successful conduct of the Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey. The survey was completed in record time to the agreed timetable and budget. I wish to note also the commitment of the people living with HIV, State actors and governments, traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil societies, public and private institutions, the media, and indeed all Nigerians in the support provided toward the successful outcome of this survey.

    “I particularly applaud the dedication and resolve of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, (NACA) and the Federal Ministry of Health in seeing this initiative through to its logical conclusion.

    “The official HIV prevalence for persons aged 15-49 years in Nigeria is now 1.4 per cent. An estimated 1.9 million Nigerians are now living with HIV with about one million persons on treatment.

    “I am delighted that these more accurate figures indicate that fewer Nigerians are affected by HIV. However, we cannot celebrate yet, as almost a million Nigerians living with HIV are currently not on treatment. Now that we have data that will help us target for impact, I urge all of us not to relent in this fight, but to increase the momentum in a concerted effort to end the epidemic ahead of 2030.

    “As we mark this important day in the nation’s HIV response, I will like to reiterate the commitment I made at the UN General Assembly in 2017 to progressively add 50,000 Nigerians on treatment every year using government resources.

    “I also welcome the move by the Nigerian private sector to establish a National HIV Trust Fund in the coming months to support our goal of ensuring that all Nigerians have access to high quality HIV treatment and prevention services,” he said.

    If Nigeria is to achieve epidemic control and end AIDS in Nigeria, he said, the nation needs a more coordinated and funded national response.

    “I am directing NACA and the Federal Ministry of Health to undertake detailed consultations and consensus building with key sectoral Ministries, the legislature, governors of high prevalence states, our development partners and civil society to chart a new strategic path, building on the results of this survey. To guide this process, we are issuing today a “Revised National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework” document,” he stated.

  • NACA seeks responsible celebration

    THE National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has encouraged Nigerians to  avoid risky behaviours that might contribute to the spread of human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)during the festivities.

    NACA Director-General Dr. Sani Aliyu, in a statement yesterday, said: “Christmas is that season of joy, where the birth of Christ is celebrated around the world. This period, we demonstrate love by spending quality time together with loved ones and exchange variety of gift items among ourselves. However, people engage in indiscriminate sexual and other negative activities during festive period, which can lead to uninformed decision-making.

    “NACA is appealing to the general public that, in sharing gifts among our loved ones, we should not share HIV through risky sexual behaviours.”

    The agency said it has in partnership with stakeholders taken bold steps to prevent new infection by consistently providing information, education and making available HIV/AIDS related services to Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside in the country.

    “We must build on the successes recorded as individuals, families and communities by ensuring deliberate efforts are put in to avert new infection during every festive season and make efforts to know our HIV status, which remains the gateway to HIV prevention, care, support and treatment,” he said.

    Aliyu encouraged the general public to ensure rules and standards for good behaviour are not relaxed because of the season…

    “We must set limits and monitor abuses that may result to any form of negative activity that may expose us to HIV infection. As we celebrate, let us be role models that will spread information on HIV and resolve to show love to persons infected and affected by HIV. Get free HIV test during this Christmas and New Year holiday period in any government hospital within your locality. Know your status today,” he said.

  • 81,481 persons live with HIV in Ondo — NACA

    Research has shown that no fewer than 81,481 persons are living with human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, in Ondo State. The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, Dr. Sani Aliu, confirmed this yesterday in Ondo, Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.

    Aliu said this when he paid a visit to the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, to seek the king’s support to mobilise his subjects for NACA survey in the area. The survey is tagged: Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey.

    The NACA DG, who was represented by Mrs Josephine Kalu, the Director of Resource Mobilisation of NACA, said that 10,000 persons out of the affected persons were on treatment.

    “Based on spectrum estimate we have, 81,481 persons that are living with HIV in Ondo State as at 2017 and out of the figure 10,000 persons are on treatment including 2,783 pregnant women. Also, the estimate for new HIV infection is 5,439 persons,” he said.

    According to him, the survey is the largest HIV population based survey in Nigeria being supported by the U.S. and Global Funds. He noted that the survey was important for proper planning and development of strategies that would lead to eradication of HIV and hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

    “The focus of the survey is able to gather data that will help to fight current level of HIV and hepatitis B and hepatitis C as we are looking at 2030 for a HIV-free generation. We cannot but have data that can be effectively used to fight these,” he said.

    Aliu enjoined more domestic resources to curb HIV. Oba Kiladejo commended efforts of the agency and urged it to do more on counselling and to focus more on the vulnerable areas. The monarch who expressed worry with the high number of persons living with HIV, asked for more funds to fight it.

     

     

     

  • NACA to youths: avoid risky behaviour

    NACA to youths: avoid risky behaviour

    National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Director-General Dr. Sani Aliyu has urged the citizens, especially the youths, to avoid risky behaviour that will make them vulnerable to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

    He gave the advice in Abuja as part of activities by NACA to dissuade Nigerians, especially the youths, from contracting or passing on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

    The NACA DG noted that first sexual contact in Nigeria begins within 15 years of age for 15 per cent of youth.

    “This, coupled with the practice of having multiple sexual partners, increases HIV vulnerability among the youth population alongside the very low HIV testing rates – only 17 per cent of young people know their HIV status.

    “New HIV infection is currently highest among young people aged 15-24 years. It is important to reduce this worrying trend among Nigerian youths by encouraging faithful relationships for those who cannot abstain from sex, and the use of barrier protection such as condoms, which prevent STDs including HIV and unwanted pregnancies,” Aliyu said.

    He observed that the percentage of young persons aged 15-24 years living with HIV in Nigeria is about 4.2 per cent.

    “As we express love on this day, remember to Love Wisely. As members of the wider society, your health and productivity are vital to the future of our country. So, I urge you to avoid risky behaviours as we commemorate Valentine’s Day. Love wisely, share love not HIV,” he appealed.

    He encouraged young people to take advantage of the spirit of love and togetherness that Valentine’s Day signifies, to know their HIV status.

    Aliyu noted that it is important that citizens know their HIV status, as it marks the entry point to prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS.

    He explained: “A young person not tested may not have the opportunity to enjoy future Valentine’s Days if he or she is diagnosed late or presents with terminal complications related to HIV infection and AIDS.”