During a recent stakeholders meeting in Abuja, there was a strong call for a unified and integrated HIV response in Nigeria. The stakeholders emphasized the importance of leveraging data and innovation to address equity gaps in HIV management across the country.
Key figures at the meeting, including the Acting Country Director of CDC Nigeria and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, highlighted the progress made in recalibrating program data to achieve UNAIDS goals. They commended the efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission, promote access and equity, and combat gender-based violence.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS emphasized the government’s commitment to sustaining the HIV national response beyond 2030. It was stressed that integrating HIV response into national structures and ensuring full ownership is crucial for long-term success.
Moreover, the Deputy Director for Programmes at the Division of Global HIV&TB, CDC, emphasized the importance of data-driven solutions to enhance HIV management, especially for vulnerable populations. The need for integration of HIV into broader health systems for better coordination was also highlighted.
Overall, the stakeholders expressed optimism about Nigeria’s progress in combating HIV/AIDS and underscored the collaborative efforts between various organizations and government agencies to ensure sustainability and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.