The 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA) will take place in Lagos next month, August, with representatives from all 36 federation states and the Federal Capital Territory attending, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).NCA is the principal national coordinating organization for Nigeria’s multi-sectoral HIV response, having been established under the NACA Act of 2006.
To discuss sustainable strategies for HIV prevention, treatment, and control, the Council convenes representatives from the government, civil society, development partners, and impacted communities.
With assistance from the Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA is organizing this year’s session, which has as its topic “Advancing National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid.” Temitope Ilori, the Chair of the Council and Director-General of NACA, emphasized the importance of national ownership in a statement released on Thursday.
“As donor landscapes evolve, Nigeria must take bold steps to ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, and support remain accessible and resilient. The Council offers us a unified platform to chart that future,” she stated.
Technical seminars and a Council discussion will be part of the three-day conference, which will end with a communiqué that will direct future HIV prevention initiatives. There will also be a presentation on the execution of the twelve resolutions that were agreed in the sixth council.
A call for memoranda will also be held at the event, enabling interested parties to submit implementation and policy recommendations for potential inclusion in Nigeria’s larger HIV agenda. Senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, State Commissioners for Health, and Heads of State Agencies for the Control of AIDS (SACAs) are anticipated to attend.
Additionally present are NACA directors, civil society organizations, development partners, implementing agencies, patient communities, faith-based organizations, and representatives of sister government agencies.
The summit is imperative as the nation works to assume complete responsibility for its HIV response in the wake of the US government’s decision to stop funding its international aid initiatives. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which treats more than 20.6 million HIV-positive individuals globally, including in Nigeria, was put on hold.
This year’s talks will be guided by three subject areas, the statement said. These include adopting multi-sectoral approaches to HIV and associated illnesses, pushing the national HIV sustainability agenda in the face of a shifting global assistance environment, and fortifying sub-national institutions to increase the resilience of the health system.
According to NACA, the summit is crucial for coordinating efforts across sectors including TB, malaria, reproductive health, and other development goals in addition to being vital for assessing previous success.
The Lagos State Governor will organize a special gala night to honor those who have contributed to Nigeria’s HIV response and to wrap up the program.
