The National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, and other development partners on HIV/AIDs are set to optimize innovative HIV prevention strategies while strategizing for increased domestic funding to promote community ownership and ensure the sustainability of HIV initiatives.
This was contained in a statement signed by the NACA head of its Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, which disclosed that the agency will host the first-ever Nigeria HIV prevention conference, from May 7 to 9, 2024.
She added that the three-day conference themed, “Accelerating HIV prevention to end AIDS through innovations and community engagement” will showcase a diverse array of sessions, including dedicated tracks on youth empowerment, community engagement sessions, leadership discussions, plenary sessions, sponsored sessions, and special sessions.
The Director General of NACA, Temitope Ilori noted the agency’s role in uniting stakeholders to accelerate progress towards ending the HIV epidemic in Nigeria.
Ilori said the objectives of the conference include optimising innovative HIV prevention approaches towards achieving epidemic control, promoting equitable and inclusive human rights-based approaches to HIV prevention, and strategising for increased domestic funding towards community ownership and sustainability of HIV prevention programmes.
According to her, “The first ever HIV prevention conference will serve as a pivotal platform for everyone to unite in their efforts and effect tangible advancements towards ending the HIV epidemic in Nigeria,” she stated.
“We eagerly anticipate the attendance of policymakers, representatives from international organisations, academia, state delegates, non-governmental organisations, development partners, media professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the national response,” Ilori added.
Speaking further, the UNAIDS Country Director, Leo Zekeng said the United Nations and UNAIDS envision a Nigeria with Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
On her part, the Country Coordination of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Funmi Adesanya said Nigeria is a global leader amassed with innovation, potential, and a growing youth population who will serve as the next generation of policy leaders, educators, and change agents.
