EFFORTS to eradicate HIV/AIDS in Nigeria remain an ongoing struggle, one that requires renewed commitment and strategic investment. Recently, Nigeria witnessed a significant boost in this fight when the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visited Delta State to launch the Organization of African First Ladies for Development’s (OAFLAD) ‘Free To Shine’ campaign aimed at preventing retroviral diseases, including HIV/AIDS in the country.
Her visit, no doubt, underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts in combating the deadly virus, bringing attention to the realities of those living with HIV and the necessity for a more aggressive prevention strategy against the scourge.
While advocacy plays a crucial role, financial resources must be channeled adequately into the fight against HIV/AIDS. Awareness and prevention programs require substantial funding to reach rural and underserved communities, ensuring that individuals are educated about the virus and its prevention.
Moreover, care and treatment options must be expanded to cater to those already living with HIV. The government must recognize that sustainable funding is not just an option but also a necessity if Nigeria is to achieve the global goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
A critical aspect of this funding should be directed towards making life-saving antiretroviral drugs more accessible. The Federal Government’s proposal to waive costs on the raw materials required for drug production is a commendable move. By reducing production costs, more people will have access to affordable medication, ultimately improving adherence and quality of life for those affected.
Such initiatives should not only be implemented but also monitored to ensure they translate into tangible benefits for the affected population.
However, as Nigeria makes strides in tackling the epidemic, a major setback looms. The recent suspension of the United States President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in some countries, including Nigeria, threatens to create funding gaps.
This move is unfortunate, as PEPFAR has played a significant role in providing treatment, education, and resources for millions of Nigerians over the years. The withdrawal of such critical support should serve as a clarion call for Nigerian philanthropists and the corporate sector to step in and bridge the gap through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
From experience so far , the private sector must rise to the occasion more than ever before in taming the virus, by making meaningful contributions to sustain progress.
The government, too, must take responsibility by increasing its healthcare budget. The reality is that if HIV/AIDS is not effectively controlled, it will have dire consequences on the nation’s workforce.
Statistics indicate that young people, who constitute the bulk of Nigeria’s formal and informal workforce are the most affected by the virus. A failure to control the epidemic will lead to increased absenteeism, loss of productivity, and a weakened economy. Investing in HIV/AIDS care is, therefore, not just a public health necessity but also an economic imperative.
Beyond treatment, awareness and stigma eradication must remain top priorities. People living with HIV/AIDS should not be subjected to discrimination in workplaces, schools, or communities. More awareness campaigns should be launched, emphasizing that HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence but a manageable condition.
Additionally, initiatives that provide support to affected families should be expanded to ensure that those living with the virus could lead dignified lives.
The HIV/AIDS war is one that cannot be won through advocacy alone, it requires action, funding, and dogged commitment. The visit of the First Lady to Delta State should serve as a springboard for sustained efforts, rather than a momentary campaign.
With increased investment, better policies, and collective national responsibility, Nigeria can chart a course toward a future free of HIV/AIDS, where both the virus and the stigma that accompanies it are completely eradicated.
