Nigeria has witnessed remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS in recent years. The HIV prevalence rate among adults aged 15-49 has declined from 5.8% in 2003 to 1.4% in 2021. Additionally, the number of people living with HIV on treatment has increased dramatically, from 500,000 in 2005 to 1.4 million in 2021.
These achievements stem from a concerted effort by the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and international partners. The government has increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs, expanded access to antiretroviral treatment, and implemented prevention campaigns. Civil society organizations have played a pivotal role in providing care and support to people living with HIV, advocating for their rights, and educating the public about HIV prevention. International partners have provided technical and financial support to the Nigerian government’s HIV/AIDS response.
Echoing the spirit of World AIDS Day, former President Muhammadu Buhari stated, “We must continue to fight for a world where everyone has access to the prevention, treatment, and care they need to live long and healthy lives.“
Despite the progress made, there are still significant challenges to overcome in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV continue to impede prevention efforts and access to care. The HIV prevalence rate among adolescents and young people remains higher than the national average. Moreover, there is a persistent need to expand access to HIV testing and treatment in rural areas.
Just as former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo aptly emphasized on last year’s occassion, “We must not let up in our efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. This is a fight that we must win.”
Minister of Health Prof. Ali Pate, recognizing the critical role of eliminating stigma, remarked, “Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. We must work together to break down these barriers.”
Executive Director of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Aliyu Gumel Gambo, highlighting the importance of empowering youth, stated, “We must empower Communities with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from HIV.”
World AIDS Day serves as an important occasion to reflect on the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to reaffirm our commitment to ending the pandemic. By working together, we can achieve a world where everyone has access to the prevention, treatment, and care they need to live long and healthy lives.
Written by Adebayo A. Samuel
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In a post election reaction Elder Paul Bassey thanked his colleagues in Cairo including Barrister Amobi of Enugu Rangers who encouraged him to run for the position.
Elder Bassey said the victory was not personal. “ I dedicate this victory to Nigerian Clubs on whose platform I stood to contest. Even the CAF President today acknowledged the huge contributions Nigerian clubs have made to the development of the game in the continent.
“There are a lot of positives to take away here and when we get back we have to share our experiences in order to build a better structure for our league as most clubs in Africa have dwarfed us success and infrastructure wise”.
Engineer Hersi Ally Said of Young African Football Club of Tanzania emerged the President, while the Marketing Director of Kaizer Chiefs Football Club of South Africa Jessica Motaung will serve as the 1st Vice President of the association. 
