As Nigeria marks World AIDS Day, the urgent need for all levels of government, local communities, and civic organisations to reinvigorate the fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be overstated. With this year’s theme, “Let Communities Lead,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) underscores the critical role that communities play in preventing the spread of HIV and working towards the goal of zero new infections.

The WHO stresses that communities living with or affected by HIV, alongside key populations and youth leaders, remain essential in advancing the HIV response. Collaboration between local communities, governments, and non-governmental organisations is crucial for providing necessary prevention, testing, and treatment services, fostering trust, generating innovative solutions, and holding healthcare providers accountable for their commitments.

Statistics highlight the continued challenge in Nigeria. As of 2021, approximately 1.9 million people in Nigeria were living with HIV, with women being the most affected group. Among children up to age 14, 170,000 were reported to be HIV-positive. Despite this, only 1.46 million people had access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) by 2020. While coverage of ART for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) reached 86 percent in 2020, more needs to be done to ensure full access to life-saving treatment for all.

The United Nations has reaffirmed the possibility of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, urging governments and communities to remain resolute in their efforts. However, the UNAIDS agency notes that community-led HIV responses are often under-resourced and overlooked in many countries, including Nigeria. The global body stresses that eradication can only be achieved if communities and local services are empowered with the necessary resources and support.

Globally, 39 million people are living with HIV, with 20.8 million in sub-Saharan Africa alone. Despite the progress made, 9.2 million PLWHA worldwide still do not have access to life-saving treatments. Although the annual cost of treatment has dropped significantly, recent global economic challenges and inflation could potentially reverse some of these gains, particularly in vulnerable countries like Nigeria.

In response, Nigeria’s National Agency for the Control of AIDS must revitalize its programmes to ensure that access to ART is expanded, particularly in underserved areas. The Minister of Health, Ali Pate, with his background in international health, should prioritize funding and restoring HIV/AIDS eradication programmes to their critical status.

Public awareness campaigns, which have diminished in recent years, must be revived to ensure that the general population remains informed about HIV prevention and treatment. Individuals should take responsibility for their health by seeking knowledge about HIV, understanding the risks, and avoiding behaviors that expose them to infection.

The time to act is now. By empowering communities, enhancing access to treatment, and strengthening prevention efforts, Nigeria can make significant strides toward the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.