Stakeholders in Nigeria are urging greater local ownership of HIV programmes, a reduction in reliance on foreign donors, and increased domestic production of HIV medications and supplies as the world prepares to mark World AIDS Day on December 1. The call was made during a media engagement organized by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in Abuja, ahead of the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration.
Abdulkadir Ibrahim, President of the Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, stressed that Nigeria must take control of its HIV response. He argued that the country’s health system should ensure that no one is left behind, including people living with HIV. Ibrahim highlighted the challenges posed by recent cuts in international funding, citing the U.S. government’s policy shift that dramatically reduced health‑intervention financing. Despite these setbacks, he insisted that progress must be maintained, emphasizing the importance of retention and innovative treatment approaches such as injectable therapies for both treatment and prevention. Ibrahim also called for the empowerment of community actors—women, youth, and religious groups—to lead faith‑based responses and urged nationwide action to combat HIV.
Taofeek Adeleye, Senior Manager of the Prevention Programme at AHF, advocated for stronger media involvement in HIV prevention. He called for consistent public education and accurate information to counter misinformation, stressing that prevention messaging must be continuous and that the media should play a major role in educating the public.
Amber Erinmwinhe, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV/AIDS, echoed the need for collaboration among the media, faith leaders, and communities to combat stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV.
AHF has opened youth‑focused Wellness Centres in Abuja and Benue to expand sexually transmitted infection prevention, testing, and treatment services, responding to rising infections among adolescents and young people. The organization plans sensitisation exercises and campaigns across states, offering free HIV testing and distributing condoms and other items, especially to youths, as part of the World AIDS Day celebrations.
Martin Matabishi, AHF Africa Bureau Chief, noted that while Africa has made significant strides against HIV, the increase in infections—particularly among adolescents and young women—reminds us that the fight is not over. He emphasized the need for inclusive health policies, combination prevention, and community‑led responses to overcome disruptions and transform the AIDS response.
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