In a significant stride towards combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) have solidified their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership aims to bolster HIV prevention efforts, reduce mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), and eliminate stigma against individuals living with HIV across the nation.
NOA, renowned for its extensive grassroots communication network spanning all 774 Local Government Areas, joins forces with NACA’s specialized expertise in HIV response. Together, they plan to launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns utilising diverse channels such as radio, television, social media, town halls, and community engagements. These initiatives are designed to ensure the inclusive and widespread dissemination of crucial information.
Key components of the collaboration include the training of State Directors and Health Desk Officers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Additionally, the partnership will see the introduction of interactive phone-in radio programs on 199 partner stations and the rollout of HIV-themed billboard campaigns nationwide.
At the MoU signing ceremony, representatives from both agencies reiterated their shared commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s progress towards ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat. This strategic alliance signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing public education, promoting access to HIV services, and fostering a stigma-free society.
The NOA-NACA partnership promises to usher in a new era of proactive HIV advocacy, setting a precedent for impactful collaboration in Nigeria’s health sector