By Hassan Zaggi
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has concluded plans to host Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference.
This is the first time a conference of this magnitude that centres on HIV prevention is being held since the fight against HIV began.
The conference, according to a Press Release by the Spokesperson of NACA , Toyin Aderibigbe, is with the theme: “Accelerating HIV Prevention to End AIDS through Innovations and Community Engagement.”
The conference will begin on May 7, will end on May 9, 2024.
The Press Release quoted the Director General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, as saying she has high expectation on the outcome of the conference and that the conference has the potential of uniting stakeholders to accelerate progress towards ending the HIV epidemic in Nigeria.
Dr Ilori said the objectives of the conference, according to Dr. Ilori, include optimizing innovative HIV prevention approaches towards achieving epidemic control, promoting equitable and inclusive human rights-based approaches to HIV Prevention, and strategizing for increased domestic funding towards community ownership and sustainability of HIV prevention programmes.
“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 said.
The Director General explained that throughout the conference, participants will explore a spectrum of innovative approaches and engagement strategies, with a particular emphasis on the transformative role young people can play in driving change.
She noted that the conference will adopt a hybrid format, allowing physical and virtual participation.
“We eagerly anticipate the attendance of policymakers, representatives from international organizations, academia, state delegates, NGOs, development partners, media professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the national response,” she stressed.
She, however, commended Global Fund, PEPFAR, UNAIDS, and other esteemed partners for what she described as their “invaluable contribution” towards this significant event.
The Keynote Speaker of the conference , the Press Release revealed, is the Deputy Executive Director, Programme, UNAIDS Assistant Secretary -General of the United Nations, Angeli Achrekar.
On his part, the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr Leo Zekeng said: “At the United Nations and in UNAIDS, we envision a Nigeria with zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
“A Nigeria where everyone and everywhere has access to comprehensive, stigma free HIV prevention, treatment, and support services to live a healthy and productive life.”
Dr Zekeng reiterated that this vision can only become a reality by working together, across sectors and disciplines, willing to follow the science, end inequalities, putting communities in the lead and commit at federal and state level to sustain the response.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Country Coordinator, Ms 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.
Ms Adesanya said Nigeria also has the fourth largest HIV burden, with young people making up a disproportionate share of new infections.
“Young people have been identified as a key priority for PEPFAR in its five-year strategic plan. We are proud to be partnering with the Government of Nigeria through NACA in the upcoming conference which serves as a platform for us to unite with the voices of the youth to close the tap on new infections and end the HIV epidemic in Nigeria,” she said.
