The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day will be open, participatory, and focused on FCT communities, aiming to strengthen awareness, inclusiveness, and the overall HIV response across the territory.
A statement by Mrs. Bola Ajao, Special Assistant to the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, confirmed the Administration’s participation in the global commemoration.
The theme for the 2025 World AIDS Day is “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” reflecting ongoing efforts to advance prevention, testing, treatment, and support services despite emerging public health challenges nationwide.
The statement quoted Dr. Dan Gadzama, FCTA Director of Public Health, saying that Dr. Fasawe directed the Secretariat to join global partners in reducing HIV transmission through a one-day high-level symposium designed to foster coordinated action.
Scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, in Abuja, the symposium will bring together policymakers, development partners, people living with HIV, civil society groups, and community leaders to review progress and strengthen interventions. Participants will examine achievements, share insights, and develop strategies to enhance HIV programmes in the FCT, ensuring a unified approach to sustaining gains made in recent years.
Dr. Fatima Daggash, State Programme Coordinator for HIV/AIDS, STIs, and Viral Hepatitis, noted that December 1 is globally recognized to honor AIDS victims and reaffirm commitments to ending HIV. She commended the progress achieved and emphasized the urgency of renewed commitment, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement to identify gaps and set priority areas for improvement.
Daggash added that 2025 activities will include free counseling, HIV testing, and community sensitization, aimed at promoting early diagnosis, linkage to care, sustained viral suppression, and reducing stigma. She said these interventions are intended to expand access to services, empower vulnerable populations, and reinforce the FCT’s determination to strengthen prevention, improve treatment outcomes, and advance efforts toward eliminating HIV-related discrimination.
