Nigeria’s HIV Response Strengthens: NACA Leads Pathway Toward Ending AIDS as a Public Health Threat

Abuja, Nigeria — The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has remained at the forefront of Nigeria’s national HIV response with key activities, strategic announcements, and impactful collaborations over the past 30 days. Under the leadership of Director‑General Dr. Temitope Ilori, the agency renewed its commitment to public health, accelerated HIV prevention, and drove policy discussions aimed at sustaining and expanding gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Nigeria Meets Global HIV Targets as World AIDS Day 2025 Commemorations Drive Awareness

In late November and December 2025, Nigeria commemorated World AIDS Day 2025 under the theme “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response” — a weeklong series of advocacy, testing, community outreach, and stakeholder engagements hosted by NACA nationwide.

At the official event held in Abuja’s Aso Villa Banquet Hall, Dr. Ilori highlighted significant progress toward the UNAIDS 95‑95‑95 global targets — with:

- 87 % of people living with HIV knowing their status,
- 98 % of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy, and
- 95 % of patients on treatment achieving viral suppression (which means they can no longer transmit the virus).

These figures reflect robust national efforts and coordination across federal, state, and community health infrastructures to improve prevention, testing, and lifelong treatment outcomes.

The event also celebrated a 46 % decline in new HIV infections over the past decade, underscoring sustained progress in the fight against HIV/AIDs despite global health and economic disruptions.

Affordable HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Nigeria Champions Global Access

In a defining moment for both national and global public health, Nigeria — represented by NACA — secured a landmark international deal at the 80th United Nations General Assembly that slashes the cost of the revolutionary HIV prevention injection lenacapavir from approximately $28,000 to just $40 per person annually.

This deal, enabled through collaboration with international partners including UNITAID, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the Gates Foundation, aims to unlock equitable access to a highly effective preventive tool for millions of Nigerians and citizens in other low‑ and middle‑income countries.

The twice‑yearly injection has shown near‑total effectiveness in preventing new HIV infections — marking a pivotal innovation in Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy.

Expanded HIV Care: Free Annual Health Tests for People Living with HIV

Aligned with the World AIDS Day observances, the Federal Government announced through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare that people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria will now have access to free annual liver and kidney function tests.

This initiative — supported by expanded health insurance coverage and coordinated through NACA — is designed to strengthen long‑term treatment outcomes by ensuring early detection of secondary health conditions tied to HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy.

The integrated approach will also broaden access to additional essential services, such as tuberculosis (TB), malaria and nutrition support, enhancing overall patient care.

Public Leadership & National Commitment

At the World AIDS Day event, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the need for empathy, community support, and stigma reduction to sustain progress toward ending HIV/AIDS.

These high‑level advocacies complement NACA’s broader mandate to align health policy with Nigeria’s national development goals — moving the nation toward an AIDS‑free generation by 2030.

Advertorial — NACA Empowers Nigerians with Information, Prevention & Care Tools

Know Your Status. Protect Your Health. Inspire a Future Free of HIV.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) champions access to HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and care across Nigeria — coordinating with federal and state health programs to ensure no Nigerian is left behind.

Key Services & Opportunities:

• 💉 Free HIV Testing Services at community outreach events and health centres.
• 💊 Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) available through government facilities nationwide.
• 🧬 Access to Innovative Preventive Tools like the new lenacapavir injection at affordable rates (as part of Nigeria’s adoption plans).
• 🧠 Public Education Campaigns to reduce stigma and promote early diagnosis — critical to national HIV control.

How You Can Get Involved:
👉 Visit your nearest health centre for free testing.
👉 Follow NACA official channels for announcements on HIV services, outreach programmes, and policy updates.
👉 Wear the Red Ribbon in solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS.

Final Insight

As Nigeria continues to benchmark progress on the global stage and strengthen its domestic HIV response, NACA remains pivotal — integrating innovation, policy, and community partnerships to drive sustainable health outcomes. From improved treatment coverage to reduced preventive drug costs and expanded care services, these developments reinforce Nigeria’s trajectory toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat — a goal that resonates with Arise Naija’s mission to inform, inspire, and move Nigeria forward.