NACA Urges Nigerians to Prioritize Health During the Festive Season

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on Nigerians to prioritize their health during the festive season, emphasizing the importance of knowing their HIV status and maintaining healthy lifestyles.

NACA made this appeal while highlighting the public health challenges posed by the HIV epidemic in Nigeria. In 2023 alone, an estimated 26,000 children were infected with HIV, and approximately 15,000 people died from AIDS-related complications. The agency stressed the need for proactive measures to address these concerning statistics.

Speaking on the significance of the festive period, NACA urged Nigerians to use the opportunity to engage in health-focused activities, such as routine check-ups and HIV testing. “The yuletide season provides a unique chance to raise awareness about health and encourage individuals to take charge of their wellbeing,” said Dr. Gambo Aliyu, the Director-General of NACA.

In addition to health checks, the agency reminded citizens to adopt practices that reduce the risk of infection, including safe sex, good nutrition, and regular exercise. Dr. Aliyu emphasized the agency’s commitment to achieving the global targets for HIV/AIDS eradication by 2030, stressing that public awareness and participation remain critical.

To bolster its efforts, NACA recently inaugurated a Public Health Challenge Committee aimed at curbing the spread of HIV and other communicable diseases. The committee is tasked with designing policies and programs to mitigate the impact of the disease, especially among vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, NACA reiterated the importance of collective responsibility in fighting the HIV epidemic. Community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers were called upon to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure widespread access to testing and treatment services.

NACA also appealed to Nigerians not to stigmatize people living with HIV, urging society to foster a supportive environment for affected individuals. “Stigma remains a significant barrier to achieving our goals. We must all work together to eliminate discrimination,” Dr. Aliyu added.

As the festivities unfold, NACA’s message serves as a timely reminder for Nigerians to prioritize their health, not just during the yuletide but all year round. The agency assured the public of its dedication to improving healthcare access and reducing the prevalence of HIV in the country.