On the occasion of World AIDS Day, the Nigeria Country Programme Director of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Dr. Echey Ijezie, has called upon the mass media to play a pivotal role in championing HIV/AIDS sensitization campaigns across the country.
Speaking during a round table discussion with journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Dr. Ijezie emphasized the importance of enhanced media efforts in raising awareness about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.
He urged media outlets to become a driving force for change, stating that AHF is eager to collaborate with various media organizations to increase the impact of these campaigns.
In addition to urging media participation, Dr. Ijezie announced that AHF Nigeria will host a commemorative event in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on December 1.
This event aims to underscore the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, highlighted by the alarming statistic of 1.3 million new infections worldwide each year.
The commemoration, according to him, will focus on promoting awareness, testing, prevention, and care while expressing solidarity with those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community and beyond.
“Despite decades of progress in the fight against HIV, around 40 million people worldwide are living with the virus, with women and girls representing more than half of those affected.
“Stigma and discrimination continue to prevent many individuals from accessing essential care, while key populations face significant barriers to treatment. This World AIDS Day event will highlight these ongoing challenges and reinforce the importance of keeping HIV/AIDS at the forefront of national and global public health efforts.”
He added that the foundation, in collaboration with partners will be organizing a road walk from the city center in Keffi, to terminate at the Nasarawa State University, where a health awareness talks for students and the public shall take place.
It said students from the Keffi State University, including the Red Cross Club, CSOs and CBOs shall partake in the walk, with traditional dancers and skaters leading the parade.
“Free condoms and fliers providing condom education shall be shared as we move along. Across other AHF Nigeria states, our team shall be on radio educating the people about HIV/AIDS, particularly about the new developments in treatment, while HIV testing and free condom distribution shall complement their awareness efforts.
‘’AHF Nigeria recently opened a Wellness Centre in both Abuja and Benue, as a response to the rising waves of STIs among adolescents and young people and our decision to program for this population is the reason we are partnering with the Keffi State University in order to expand access for students and empower other youths to take charge of their health”.
The AHF’s commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS is unwavering, and the organization continues to seek partnerships with the media to raise awareness and drive action toward eradicating this global health challenge.
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