The Federal Government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, organized a candlelight memorial to honour those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. The event served as a solemn reminder of the impact of the epidemic while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, highlighted the urgency of ensuring an HIV-free generation.
Addressing attendees, she stated, “Our mission is to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. This memorial honours our fallen heroes and reminds us of the critical work still ahead.”
Dr. Ilori also revealed a sobering statistic: in 2023, approximately 15,000 children in Nigeria succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses. She called for intensified efforts to reverse this trend, stressing the importance of prevention, especially the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
She further urged Nigerians to eliminate stigma against HIV-positive individuals, encouraging them to seek treatment and adhere to care regimens to reduce viral loads and improve outcomes.
The government, she said, remains steadfast in its resolve to fight the epidemic, increasing domestic funding and resources to combat HIV/AIDS. She also praised the dedication of organizations and individuals working tirelessly to address the crisis.
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The event also featured contributions from stakeholders such as the Network of People Living with HIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN). Its National Coordinator, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, emphasized the need for innovative strategies and accessible services to prevent mother-to-child transmission by 2030. He called for greater investment, regulatory changes, and the adoption of sustainable best practices to ensure progress.
Similarly, the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN), represented by Dr. Esther Hindi, committed to raising awareness about PMTCT. Other notable figures, including Dr. Leo Zekeng of UNAIDS and Ms. Funmi Adesanya of PEPFAR, reiterated their dedication to eradicating AIDS in Nigeria, emphasizing collaboration and community-driven approaches.
This candlelight memorial not only honoured those lost to HIV/AIDS but also ignited renewed determination to combat the epidemic. With strategic partnerships, increased funding, and public awareness, Nigeria is steadfast in its journey toward eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
