In a groundbreaking move, the United Nations Joint Action Against HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has unveiled a transformative initiative dedicated to fostering a community-led response to HIV. This marks a significant step towards empowering communities to play a pivotal role in combatting the epidemic.
The senior strategies information adviser at UNAIDS, Dr. Takpa Koubagnine made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during the One UN World AIDS Day commemoration round table meeting. The initiative underscores the UN’s recognition of the crucial role communities play in addressing the HIV epidemic, with a firm commitment to supporting and amplifying community-led efforts.
“This initiative emphasises 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,” stated Koubagnine.
He revealed that a landmark UN summit on World Health Day echoed the call for a robust community-led response to the HIV epidemic. UN personnel, viewed as integral community members, emerged as leaders with the goal of supporting community-driven actions. The UN Joint Team spearheaded collaborative efforts, mobilising substantial resources and crafting a strategic plan to bolster the AIDS response through 2025.
National programme officer, strategist information at UNAIDS, Dr. Doris Ogbang delved into Nigeria’s situation, highlighting the country’s challenges with HIV prevalence higher than the global average, particularly affecting women. Efforts in Nigeria involve scaling up prevention measures, expanding access to testing and treatment, and addressing socio-cultural factors contributing to the virus’s spread. Collaborative initiatives between government, NGOs and international partners play a pivotal role.
Ogbang stressed the importance of tailored interventions, addressing gender-specific factors and targeting key populations. A comprehensive response requires addressing social and economic determinants alongside medical interventions.
She provided a detailed breakdown of new infections and age-related deaths, emphasizing the urgent 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.
Ogbang 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 for effective HIV management.
“A multifaceted approach, collaboration, and resource allocation are deemed essential for making significant progress in reducing new infections and age-related deaths in Nigeria. The emphasis remains on empowering communities and fostering a collective, community-driven response to effectively manage HIV/AIDS,” she said.
World AIDS Day, commemorated annually on December 1st, unites people worldwide in showing support for those living with HIV and remembering those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. This year’s theme, “Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility,” emphasises the collaborative effort required to address the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS.
Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day serves as the first-ever international day for global health. Each year, United Nations agencies, governments and civil society join forces to campaign around specific themes related to HIV, promoting awareness and collective action against the epidemic.
