The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Sunday, announced the first ever Nigeria HIV prevention conference.
In a statement by the head, Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, the Director General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, said the conference is poised to offer a platform for diverse range of sessions, featuring dedicated tracks on youth empowerment.
Dr. IIori said, “Adolescents and Young People (AYP) as change agents,” goes alongside community engagement sessions, leadership discussions, plenary sessions, sponsored sessions, and special sessions.
She added that 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.
The conference is scheduled to take place from May 7th to May 9th, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, with the theme: “Accelerating HIV Prevention to End AIDS through Innovations and Community Engagement.”
Dr Ilori outlined the conference objectives, which includes optimising innovative HIV prevention approaches, promoting equitable and inclusive human rights-based approaches, and strategising for increased domestic funding towards community ownership and sustainability of HIV prevention programs.
“We eagerly anticipate the attendance of policymakers, representatives from international organisations, academia, state delegates, NGOs, development partners, media professionals, and other stakeholders to be involved in the national response,” she sated.
Speaking on behalf of UNAIDS, the Country Director, Dr Leo Zekeng, reiterated the vision of 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,” he said.
Dr Zekeng said this vision can only become a reality by working together across sectors and disciplines, and be willing to follow the science, end inequalities, putting communities in the lead and commitment 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.
