Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged citizens to renew their commitment to ending AIDS by 2030, calling for compassion, youth responsibility, and the elimination of stigma as the country marked World AIDS Day 2025. In her message commemorating the day, Mrs Tinubu said this year's theme, "Overcoming Disruptions; Transforming the AIDS Response," highlights a pivotal moment in Nigeria's fight against HIV. She noted that while progress has been made in prevention, treatment, and care, "every Nigerian should have access to life-saving services free from stigma and discrimination," stressing that harmful attitudes still deter many from seeking help.
Mrs Tinubu appealed to young Nigerians to prioritise regular testing and seek immediate treatment if they test positive, saying knowledge of one's status remains crucial for prevention. She also urged communities to deepen their support for people living with HIV: "To our communities, I call on you to show compassion and say no to stigmatisation," she said.
Her call comes amid warnings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that shrinking global HIV financing could threaten Africa's progress. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, said many countries remain heavily dependent on external funding and must now increase domestic investment to safeguard gains. He noted that disruptions also offer an opportunity to build more resilient systems, with several nations integrating HIV services into primary healthcare.
Despite global financial uncertainty, Nigeria says it is on track to meet the UN goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Earlier this month, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) announced that the country has met two of the three UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets, currently standing at 87–98–95. NACA Director-General Temitope Ilori said Nigeria has seen “major achievements,” including expanded treatment access and strengthened prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
The Federal Government also highlighted new measures to support people living with HIV, including annual liver and kidney function tests through expanded health insurance. Minister of State for Health Adekunle Salako, said Nigeria has "remained steadfast in protecting the gains of the past" despite global economic pressures, adding that 98% of Nigerians who know their HIV status are now on life-saving treatment, surpassing the UNAIDS benchmark.
Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria is moving steadily toward eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030 through integrated services for women and children. NACA's Iloring added that the country has recorded a 46% decline in new infections over the past decade, with more people enrolled and retained in care than ever before.
More than two million Nigerians are currently living with HIV, underscoring the need for sustained investment as the country accelerates toward its 2030 target.
