Ilori disclosed this on Monday at a press conference in Abuja ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day, themed “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response; Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.”
She explained that the theme aims to raise awareness about HIV, honour lives impacted by the epidemic, and prioritise eliminating AIDS among children.
“Nigeria has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4% among the general population, with approximately 160,000 children aged 0-14 living with the virus,” Ilori said.
Despite progress, Ilori noted significant challenges in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), with current coverage below 33%.
To address this, NACA has launched the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children and established a national acceleration committee to track implementation.
“We have engaged stakeholders to co-create a sustainability roadmap, ensuring that gains in the HIV response are preserved and government structures remain functional,” she added.
Ilori called for collective efforts to break stigma and improve equity.
“On this World AIDS Day, I urge all Nigerians to join hands with NACA to break stigma, embrace equity, and drive action to eliminate HIV among children.
“We must empower vulnerable groups, especially women, to access life-saving services and live with dignity. Together, we can achieve an AIDS-free Nigeria by 2030,” she said.
Mr Leo Zekeng, Country Director of UNAIDS, stressed the importance of sustainability and political commitment to achieve the 2030 goal.
“Ending AIDS requires increased domestic resources and collaboration among government agencies, private sectors, and health organisations to allocate more funds for the response,” Zekeng said.
Dr Patrick Dakum, CEO of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), emphasised a holistic approach to combating HIV and tuberculosis (TB).
“World AIDS Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Dakum, represented by Dr Olayemi Olupitan, said.
Funmi Adesanya, Nigeria Country Coordinator for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), highlighted the need to expand prevention efforts and invest in healthcare systems.
Adesanya, represented by Mr Emerson Evans, called for scaling up evidence-based strategies like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and harm reduction services, especially for marginalised groups.
“Investing in research, developing innovative vaccines, and creating long-acting treatment regimens is critical to improving outcomes and reducing transmission,” Adesanya said.
As the fight against HIV/AIDS continues, stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to achieving an AIDS-free Nigeria by 2030.
