Stakeholders Advocate for a Unified Approach to HIV Response
On Wednesday, stakeholders called for a unified and integrated response to HIV in the country. They emphasized the importance of leveraging data and innovation to address equity gaps in HIV management. During the CDC Nigeria’s fifth biannual stakeholders engagement meeting in Abuja, themed “Strategic Pivoting Towards Programme Simplification and Sustainable Public Health Intervention,” Acting Country Director Suzanne Theroux underscored the need for a coordinated HIV response.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
“We will continue our support through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) at every step. It’s inspiring to see representatives from national and state governments, implementing partners, multilateral organizations, academia, civil society, media, and other essential stakeholders gathered here today,” Theroux stated.
She expressed gratitude for the partnerships and looked forward to collaborating with everyone to eradicate HIV as a public health threat and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians. “I’m excited for a productive meeting over the next two days as we engage in discussions and identify resolutions and solutions,” she added.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., emphasized the need for stakeholders to strategize on simplifying health programs to promote state ownership and sustainability.
Theroux praised the significant progress made, noting that recalibrated program data has provided a clearer understanding of achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals. “I commend your hard work in providing relief to Nigerians living with HIV, particularly efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission and promote access and equity. The one-stop shops led by key populations offer a safe space for comprehensive care, empowering communities and saving lives,” she said.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), emphasized the government’s commitment to sustaining the national HIV response beyond 2030. She advocated for integrating HIV responses into national government structures for full ownership.
“This process will occur in phases, addressing both problematic and financial aspects to ensure that HIV response is not merely medicalized but integrated into mandated government structures,” she explained, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s progress against HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Jerry Gwamna, Deputy Director for Programmes at the Division of Global HIV & TB, CDC, highlighted the importance of data-driven solutions to strengthen HIV management for vulnerable populations. He called for improved health outcomes among People Living with HIV/AIDS and increased coverage for children under 10.
“By embracing innovation and data analytics, we can enhance health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV,” Gwamna concluded, emphasizing the need to integrate HIV into broader health systems for effective coordination.