The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and health stakeholders have called for strengthened collaboration to combat HIV/AIDS, especially in rural communities where access to information and services remains limited.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja at the FCT Integrated Symposium commemorating the 2025 World AIDS Day. The event, organized by the FCT Health Secretariat, had the sub-theme: “Innovation, Collaboration and Integration: Securing the Future of HIV and the ATM Response in Nigeria.”
Fasawe, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babagana Adams, stressed the importance of active stakeholder participation in sustaining Nigeria’s HIV response. She said this year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” provided an opportunity to plan how best to mobilize local resources and support people living with HIV/AIDS.
“We can’t succeed in sustaining the campaign against AIDS without going closer to the rural areas. The people who need the message the most are in communities,” she said.
Fasawe identified security challenges and access constraints in some localities as key obstacles, but affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring availability, accessibility and affordability of HIV services. She noted that many individuals living with HIV still face stigma and discrimination, underscoring the need for continuous community engagement.
Also speaking, the Director of the FCT Department of Public Health, Dr. Dan Gadzama, said the department operates a grassroots outreach system through a First-Class Committee working closely with area councils.
“Our approach includes community interactions, discussions and town hall meetings across the FCT,” he said. “We educate people about HIV, the availability of treatment and preventive services in all our facilities and area councils. Treatment is free.”
Gadzama said community mobilization is carried out in collaboration with civil society groups and associations of people living with HIV.
In his remarks, Dr. Tangkat Hosle, FCT Regional Manager at the Institute of Neurology, Nigeria, commended the government’s commitment to the national HIV response. He urged stakeholders to take greater ownership and contribute more effectively to achieving sustained progress.
“The focus on innovation and sustainability this year is timely. Sustainability ensures continuity of care and strengthens our collective response,” he said.
