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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), is set to host the first ever Nigeria HIV prevention conference.
NACA, in a statement, indicated that the conference theme: “accelerating HIV prevention to end AIDS through innovations and community engagement” will hold in Abuja, from May 7th- May 9th, 2024.
It said the conference will showcase a diverse array of sessions, including dedicated tracks on youth empowerment under the theme “Adolescents and Young People (AYP) as Change Agents,” community engagement sessions, leadership discussions, plenary sessions, sponsored sessions, and special sessions.
Angeli Achrekar, Deputy Executive Director, Programme, UNAIDS, who is also the Assistant Secretary -General of the United Nations, will serve as keynote speaker.
Director General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized the role of the conference in uniting stakeholders to accelerate progress towards ending the HIV epidemic in Nigeria.
Dr. Ilori was optimistic that the conference will optimize 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.
“This 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.
She said throughout the conference, participants will explore a spectrum of innovative approaches and engagement strategies, with a particular emphasis on the transformative role that young people can play in driving change.
“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 said.
The NACA boss expressed gratitude for the support from Global Fund, PEPFAR, UNAIDS, and other esteemed partners towards the success of the event.
UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Leo Zekeng, in his submissions, 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 said 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.
Ms Funmi Adesanya, Country Coordinator, U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), 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 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.
