The UN Joint Action Against HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has launched an initiative aimed at fostering community-led response to HIV, empowering communities in the battle against the epidemic.
The joint action’s Senior Strategies Information Adviser, Dr Takpa Koubagnine, announced this on Tuesday in Abuja during the One UN World AIDS Day Commemoration meeting.
Koubagnine highlighted the UN’s recognition of the pivotal role communities play in addressing the HIV epidemic, emphasising the commitment to support and amplify community-led efforts.
He said “this initiative underscores the significance of community leadership, involvement, and ownership in designing and implementing effective HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes.
“By empowering communities, the UN aims to achieve better outcomes in the global response to HIV and ultimately end the epidemic.”
He also revealed that a landmark UN summit on World Health Day echoed the call for a robust community-led response to the HIV epidemic.
He added that “UN personnel, viewed as integral community members, emerged as leaders to support community-driven actions.
“The UN Joint Team spearheaded collaborative efforts, mobilising substantial resources and crafting strategic plan to bolster the AIDS response through 2025.”
He explained that UN agencies, working closely with government entities and communities, are committed to addressing evolving needs in the fight against HIV.
He said that the emphasis remains on fostering a collective, community-driven response, as outlined in the strategic plan.
Dr Doris Ogbang, the National Programme Officer, Strategist Information at UNAIDS, delved into Nigeria’s situation, highlighting the country’s challenges with HIV prevalence higher than the global average, particularly affecting women.
Ogbang said efforts in Nigeria involved scaling up prevention measures, expanding access to testing and treatment, and addressing socio-cultural factors that are fueling the spread of the virus.
She added that “a comprehensive response requires addressing social and economic determinants, alongside medical interventions.”
She provided a detailed breakdown of new infections and age-related deads, emphasising the need for targeted interventions.
“The high percentage of new infections among children, especially through mother-to-child transmission, calls for improved prevention and healthcare services,” she said.
She underscored the importance of community outreach for timely prophylaxis, focusing on pregnant women in remote areas.
While acknowledging the expected decline in new ARV placements, she emphasised the need to maintain accessibility and adherence to effective HIV management.
“A multifaceted approach, collaboration and resource allocation are essential for making significant progress in reducing new infections and age-related deaths in Nigeria.
“The emphasis remains on empowering communities and fostering collective, community-driven response to effectively manage HIV/AIDS,” she said.
Each year on Dec. 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day, as people unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Founded in 1988, the 2023 World AIDS Day has “Global Solidarity and Shared Responsibility” as its theme.
