The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has warned that the global battle against HIV/AIDS is far from over, citing 1.3 million new infections recorded worldwide in 2024.
AHF Nigeria’s Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Mr. Steve Aborishade, made the statement on Thursday in Lokoja ahead of World AIDS Day. According to him, AHF Nigeria will hold a commemorative event in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on December 1.
“The event is to emphasize that the work to end HIV/AIDS is not over, as evidenced by the 1.3 million new infections occurring globally each year,” Aborishade said. “It will promote awareness, prevention, testing, and care, while showing solidarity with those impacted by HIV/AIDS in the community and beyond.”
World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1. Despite decades of progress in the fight against HIV, around 40 million people worldwide are living with the virus, with women and girls representing more than half of those affected. Stigma and discrimination continue to prevent many individuals from accessing essential care, while key populations face significant barriers to treatment.
“The World AIDS Day event will highlight these ongoing challenges and reinforce the importance of keeping HIV/AIDS at the forefront of national and global public health efforts,” the statement added.
The Keffi event will feature a road walk from the city centre to Nasarawa State University, where health talks, free condoms, and educational flyers will be distributed. Students from the university, Red Cross Club members, civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and traditional dancers are expected to participate, underscoring strong community involvement.
In Abuja, AHF Nigeria will engage media partners, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National AIDS/STIs Control Programme (NASCP), the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), and the Association of Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN) to discuss the critical role of journalism in shaping public perception and combating stigma.
Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, highlighted newly opened Wellness Centres in Abuja and Benue, targeting adolescents and young people.
“AHF Nigeria recently opened Wellness Centres in both Abuja and Benue in response to rising rates of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young people. Our partnership with Nasarawa State University aims to expand access for students and empower youths to take charge of their health,” Dr. Ijezie said.
Martin Matabishi, AHF Africa Bureau Chief, emphasised that while Africa has made great strides against HIV, rising infections—especially among adolescents and young women—highlight that the fight is not over.
“To overcome disruption and transform the AIDS response, we must embrace inclusive health policies and promote combination prevention. Communities must be empowered to lead the fight against stigma and inequality,” he said, noting that high prices of long‑acting injectables put them out of reach for many. He urged pharmaceutical companies to prioritize people over profit.
“World AIDS Day is a vital platform to celebrate progress, honor those lost, and urge governments to commit more resources and political support to end HIV/AIDS. This World AIDS Day reminds us that it’s not over,” Matabishi added.
AHF is the world’s largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider, delivering medical services and advocacy to more than 2.5 million people across 50 countries, including Nigeria.
