AHF urges media to champion HIV/AIDS sensitization

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called on the mass media to champion HIV/AIDS sensitization  campaigns in the country.

The Nigeria Country Programmes Director of AHF, Dr Echey Ijezie made the call on Thursday in Abuja, during World AIDS Day end of year round table with journalists in the country.

He  urged for stronger media sensitization on dangers of HIV/AIDS.

 He called on the media to be a driving force for change, saying that the foundation will do its part to collaborate with various media organizations in the country.

Meanwhile, he said AHF Nigeria will hold a commemorative event at Keffi, Nasarawa state on December 1 to emphasize that the work to end HIV/AIDS is not over, which is evident by the 1.3 millionnew infections occurring globally each year. He said the commemoration will promote awareness, prevention, testing, and care while showing solidarity with those impacted by HIV/AIDS in the community and beyond.

“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. This 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.

He added that the foundation, in collaboration with partners will be organizing a road walk from the city center in Keffi, to terminate at the Nasarawa State University, where a health awareness talks for students and the public shall take place.  

It said students from the Keffi State University, including the Red Cross Club, CSOs and CBOs shall partake in the walk, with traditional dancers and skaters leading the parade.

“Free condoms and fliers providing condom education shall be shared as we move along. Across other AHF Nigeria states, our team shall be on radio educating the people about HIV/AIDS, particularly about the new developments in treatment, while HIV testing and free condom distribution shall complement their awareness efforts.

‘’AHF Nigeria recently opened a Wellness Centre in both Abuja and Benue, as a response to the rising waves of STIs among adolescents and young people and our decision to program for this population is the reason we are partnering with the Keffi State University in order to expand access for students and empower other youths to take charge of their health”.

“Africa has made great strides against HIV, but rising infections, especially among adolescents and young women, remind us that the fight isn’t over,” said Martin Matabishi, AHF Africa Bureau Chief. “To overcome disruption and truly transform the AIDS response, we must embrace inclusive health policies, promote combination prevention, and empower and meaningfully collaborate with communities to lead the fight against stigma and inequality.”

Additionally, pharma greed continues to block progress for the global HIV/AIDS response. “Even with groundbreaking prevention tools like long-acting injectables, high prices keep them out of reach for the people and countries that need them most. True progress demands that pharmaceutical companies put people before profits because innovation doesn’t matter if it isn’t accessible to all.

“World AIDS Day serves as a vital platform for HIV/AIDS advocates to acknowledge the progress made, remember those we have lost to AIDS-related illnesses and those who carry on the fight, and call on governments worldwide to commit the necessary resources and political support to end HIV/AIDS. On this World AIDS Day, we’re reminded: It’s Not Over.”