On May 7, 2024, MenEngage Nigeria Youth Wing attended the Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference themed “Adolescents and Young People as Change Agents” at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
The 2024 Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference, organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the National Agency for AIDS Control (NACA), sought to highlight current difficulties and stimulate debates about new solutions and community involvement, which are critical in the struggle against HIV/AIDS.
Nigeria has long been grappling with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has had a significant impact on the country’s public health landscape. The HIV prevalence rate in Nigeria is a pressing concern, as it remains one of the highest in the world. In 2021, the country’s HIV prevalence rate was estimated to be around 1.4%, with approximately 1.9 million people living with the virus.
“We cannot just fight against new HIV infections in isolation; I believe that all role players must work together to ensure that adolescents and young people (AYPs) receive comprehensive knowledge and services that will improve their overall health and wellbeing; this will drastically reduce the prevalence of HIV in Nigeria.” Chidinma Adibeli, steering committee member of MenEngage Nigeria Youth Network highlighted.
Young people play a crucial role in the fight against HIV, as they are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, especially young women. Their active participation in the conversation raises awareness, reduces stigma, and promotes safer behaviours. They are also at the forefront of innovative solutions, advocating for better policies and services. Their active participation contributes to the reduction of new HIV infections and support for those living with the virus.
“I am reminded of the power of collaboration and inclusivity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I realised that we need to work together, across sectors and industries, to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030”, said Bala Baliq of MenEngage Nigeria Youth Network
“I was inspired by the emphasis on empowering young people and recognising them as key change agents in the HIV response. I realized that, as a young person, I have a role to play in amplifying the voices and efforts of young people, and in advocating for their meaningful engagement in decision-making processes”, she adds.
By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, the 2024 Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s HIV prevention agenda. It helped to raise awareness, foster collaborations, and develop a comprehensive, evidence-based action plan to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria. The conference’s outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
