…hails Fed Govt $200m Intervention Fund
Safe-Revive Africa (SRA) has called on the government, communities, and development partners to sustain commitment towards ending HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, despite recent disruptions in international funding.
The non-governmental organisation made the call in a statement by its President, Dr. Oluremi Olaleye.
Dr Olaleye noted that funding uncertainties from international donors had exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s HIV response, stressing the need for a more sustainable, domestically driven approach.
According to him, Nigeria has recorded significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus and an 87-98-95 performance on global treatment targets.
He added that new HIV infections have declined by 46 per cent over the past decade, attributing the gains to the dedication of healthcare workers, the resilience of affected communities, and strong collaboration among government, civil society, and development partners.
“As part of activities to commemorate the day, SRA hosted its 4th HIV/AIDS Sensitization Forum for Community Workers in Lagos, bringing together frontline workers who play a critical role in HIV prevention, treatment support, and community engagement. We identified three key priorities requiring urgent attention. We called for accelerated domestic resource mobilisation, commending the Federal Government’s $200 million intervention and urging sustained investment as Nigeria moves towards self-reliance in funding its HIV response,” he said.
Olaleye also stressed the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, noting that fear and misinformation continue to discourage many from accessing testing and treatment, despite advances in care.
SRA, he said, advocated the adoption of innovative prevention tools, including long-acting injectable medications, to further reduce new infections, particularly among adolescent girls, young women, and other key populations.
Reaffirming its commitment to health education and community empowerment, the organization said its sensitisation forums were designed to strengthen community ownership of the HIV response and address related public health challenges.
Olaleye urged Nigerians to honour those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, celebrate the progress recorded so far, and recommit to achieving an AIDS-free Nigeria by 2030, stressing that with sustained commitment and collective action, the goal remains achievable.
