CSOs, Youth Groups Call for Increased Private Sector Funding for HIV Response
Civil society organisations (CSOs) and youth groups have called for greater private sector investment to expand HIV prevention, care, and treatment efforts in Nigeria, amid a rise in new infections.
The appeal was made during a multi-stakeholder dialogue held in Abuja on Wednesday. The meeting brought together representatives from government agencies, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, youth bodies, and people living with HIV.
Participants raised concerns over the 48,000 new HIV infections recorded in 2024, citing data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
In a communiqué issued at the end of the dialogue, stakeholders warned that limited access to emerging HIV prevention and treatment innovations could hinder progress in tackling the epidemic.
READ MORE: FirstBank Empowers SMEs with AI-Driven Growth Strategies, Hosts SMEConnect Webinar
“We are concerned that, at a time when scientific breakthroughs—such as long-acting injectables for prevention and treatment—offer transformative potential in ending the HIV pandemic, access may remain limited without urgent and equitable scale-up,” the communiqué stated.
They urged the private sector to increase sustained funding and provide technical support to strengthen innovative financing mechanisms.
The participants also called for coordinated efforts to boost HIV awareness, promote inclusive and stigma-free communities, and ensure fair access to new scientific advancements.
In addition, they encouraged greater community involvement in programme design, implementation, and accountability to enhance the effectiveness of the national response.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ending new HIV infections and eliminating AIDS as a public health threat in Nigeria.
About The Author
