According to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), stigma and discrimination are still significant barriers to achieving an HIV/AIDS-free Nigeria by 2030.
The Director General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, recommended on Tuesday that the government and stakeholders need to educate and sensitize the citizens about the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination of HIV/Aids patients.
She stated further: “Our strategies must be inclusive, person-centered, and sensitive to the needs of adolescents, young people, key populations, and people living with HIV/AIDS.”
“We must also focus on community-based interventions while promoting local ownership and sustainability of our response efforts.”
However, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa has said that he would focus his attention on how the government keeps data right while ensuring that the government has a solid foundation for improved ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in Nigeria.
He said: “These goals are formed on four main pillars, which are, effective governance, efficient & equitable quality health system, unlocking the health value chain and health security.”
“These visions change how the government provides health for its citizens around the country. I call on all to join hands with us as we make this vision a reality for the benefit of all Nigerian.
“This emphasizes the need to accelerate the prevention of new infections, especially amongst vulnerable populations and youths.
“This conference provides a platform for discussing our different prevention strategies with the intent of accessing for effectiveness, sharing global prevention practices, and domesticating them to suit our socio-cultural environment.
“At the end of this conference, I will be expecting the new DG of NACA to brief me on the output of this conference and how selective strategies have been implemented in the national HIV response.
“I will be elated when she talks to me about how we can facilitate an AIDS-free generation, where no child will be born HIV positive in Nigeria,” he stated.
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