By Emmanuel Abi Couson
As Nigeria join the rest of the world to mark the WorldAIDSDay today December 1, government at all level have been enjoined to support communities, which are playing an essential role in their efforts to end this scourge.
António Guterres UN Seecretary-General said “Efforts by communities, activists, governments & global health partners have resulted in extraordinary progress in the fight against HIV countries where GlobalFund invests, AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 72% ”
The Global Fund want government to bring the communities to the forefront and let them lead by taking bold action now so together “we can get back on track to end AIDS by 2030”
It added that “working together, we must increase investments and accelerate efforts to ensure equitable access to treatment and prevention services for all people affected by the disease”
Though HIV. AIDS-related deaths have fallen by almost 70% since their peak in 2004.
yet, the disease still takes one life every minute.
Continuing the Global Fund noted that “it is time to get back on track to end AIDS as a public health threat once and for all. Working together, we must double down on our commitment to tackle the inequalities that fuel the epidemic”
AIDS is beatable, Let’s support communities, which are playing an essential role in our efforts to end this scourge.
Community-led advocacy has defined the HIV response by advocating for funding, prioritizing interventions, addressing discriminatory laws & making services people centred.
Currently, a total of 1.8 million persons are estimated to be living with HIV in Nigeria being the forth after South Africa being the first qit over 7mllion followed by Madagascar and Indian.
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