Speaking at a press conference organized to commemorate the day, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said 87% of people living with HIV in Nigeria now know their status, 98% of those are receiving life-saving treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
“These achievements reflect Nigeria’s resilience and determination to sustain its HIV response despite global economic challenges, declining donor support, and shifting health financing priorities,” Dr. Ilori stated.
She highlighted a 46% reduction in new HIV infections over the last decade, alongside notable improvements in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), early infant diagnosis, and paediatric treatment.
Dr. Ilori commended states that have increased domestic funding for HIV programmes through dedicated Trust Funds and strengthened budgetary commitments. She also praised President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a $200 million emergency fund to prevent disruption of HIV services amid global funding uncertainties, describing it as a demonstration of strong national ownership.
The NACA chief further announced enhancements in service integration through the ATM-TWG platform and expanded enrolment of people living with HIV into state health insurance schemes, aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of programmes. She noted that newly introduced digital reporting tools are improving data accuracy, accountability, and service delivery.
“Despite these gains, challenges remain, including stigma, high paediatric HIV burden, reliance on foreign aid, and underserved hard-to-reach communities,” Dr. Ilori said. She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to scaling up pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access, accelerating PMTCT initiatives, and strengthening prevention services for key populations.
Representing UNAIDS Nigeria, Mr. Gabriel Undel Ikwo commended the country’s resilience in the face of global funding cuts that have impacted prevention and community-led services. He highlighted Nigeria’s shift toward integration, sustainability, and domestic resource mobilisation as a sign of strong national leadership.
Mr. Ikwo praised the efforts of President Tinubu, the Coordinating Minister of Health, and NACA in securing local financing, strengthening national health systems, and ensuring uninterrupted treatment for vulnerable populations. He reiterated UNAIDS’ support for Nigeria’s goal of building a community-led, inclusive HIV response while cautioning that AIDS is “not yet over.”
Representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Mr. Omoniyi Amos emphasized that World AIDS Day remains a platform to promote awareness, solidarity, and remembrance, particularly for lives lost to TB/HIV co-infection. He noted that this year’s theme, Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining the Nigerian HIV Response, reflects the importance of safeguarding progress amid global uncertainties.
Amos praised Nigeria’s adoption of innovative solutions, including the upcoming rollout of long-acting HIV prevention medication, lenacapavir, expected in 2026. He also highlighted the crucial role of community structures in maintaining uninterrupted treatment during funding disruptions.
He called for increased domestic financing, stronger health systems, elimination of stigma, and sustained efforts to address inequalities in Nigeria’s HIV response.