Dr. Gambo Aliyu, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has drawn attention to the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women in Nigeria, revealing that for every ten people with HIV in the country, six are female.
In a press statement released on Tuesday to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, Aliyu emphasized that the rate of HIV among young Nigerian women is three times higher than among men in the same age group.
“This year’s theme, ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’ resonates deeply with NACA’s commitment to advancing gender equality and addressing unique challenges faced by women living with HIV/AIDS.
“Young women living in Nigeria are three times more likely to be living with HIV than men of the same age group.
“Six out of 10 persons living with HIV in the country are females, emphasizing the need to invest in women.
“Investing in women is not just a financial commitment; it’s an investment in the sustainable progress of our societies.
“When we empower women, we create a transformative effect that positively impacts families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”
In observance of International Women’s Day, NACA reiterated its commitment to empowering women and girls, highlighting their crucial role in combating HIV/AIDS. The agency emphasized the importance of inclusive policies, accessible comprehensive healthcare, and educational efforts to enable women to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
NACA aims to safeguard and enhance the dignity of women through targeted interventions and community engagement. Aliyu expressed gratitude to those contributing to women’s rights and the global response to HIV/AIDS, urging continued collaboration towards a future where women are free from the disease.
NACA reports that in Nigeria, approximately 1.8 million people live with HIV, with around 1.63 million undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy.
