As Nigeria observes this year’s World AIDS Day on December 1st, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has urged Nigerians to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and embrace compassion. The Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized the importance of understanding and support for individuals affected by HIV while encouraging Nigerians to know their HIV status.
Dr. Ilori made this call in Abuja, aligning her message with the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day: “Taking the Right Path, Sustaining the Game.” She stressed that stigma and discrimination must stop, and that by promoting empathy, regular testing, and better access to healthcare, Nigeria could work toward its goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Promoting HIV Awareness and Care
In her message, Dr. Ilori highlighted the vital role of knowing one’s HIV status, noting that only by getting tested can individuals understand whether they need healthcare services. She pointed out that HIV testing is available free of charge at all public healthcare facilities across the country.
“Undetectable equals untransmittable,” she added, emphasizing the importance of supporting people living with HIV to access care, as their health and safety also contribute to the safety of the community.
Achieving the 2030 Target
Dr. Ilori expressed optimism that Nigeria’s target of eliminating AIDS by 2030 is not only achievable but also realistic. She called for collective action from the media, the public, and all stakeholders to ensure the success of this goal. “Together, we can achieve more,” she stated, urging increased awareness and education.
Anti-Discriminatory Laws and Policies
NACA’s efforts to tackle stigma include the enforcement of anti-discriminatory laws at both the national and state levels. Dr. Ilori discussed the National Anti-Discrimination Law, which has been domesticated in states, giving individuals the legal right to seek redress if they experience discrimination. Those found guilty of violating the law may face penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
She also mentioned the workplace policy that allows people living with HIV/AIDS to report discrimination within their organizations, as well as community-led monitoring initiatives to ensure that stigma is reduced. Additionally, periodic stigma index surveys are conducted to assess the current state of stigma and identify areas for improvement.
World AIDS Day Activities and Social Media Engagement
To mark World AIDS Day, NACA is hosting a live discussion on X (formerly Twitter), where young people can engage in conversations about HIV prevention, treatment, and stigma reduction. The agency is also using platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Facebook to share videos and audio messages, aiming to educate and empower the youth about HIV and encourage them to remain HIV-negative.
NACA’s comprehensive approach, combining legal measures, public awareness, and youth engagement, seeks to create a more inclusive environment for people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. By fostering compassion and supporting regular HIV testing, Nigeria moves closer to its goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Dr. Ilori’s call to action underscores the importance of collective effort in combating HIV/AIDS-related stigma and ensuring a healthier future for all Nigerians.
