Six of 10 persons living with HIV in the country are females, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said.
As the agency commemorates this
year’s International Women’s Day, it highlighted that young women are three
times more likely to encounter life-threatening health challenges compared to
men in the same age group.
NACA Director-General (DG),
Gambo Aliyu, said this year’s theme: “Invest in women, accelerate progress”
aligns closely with the agency’s dedication to promoting gender equality and
tackling the unique challenges encountered by women living with HIV/AIDS.
In a statement, Aliyu lamented
that young women in Nigeria are three times more likely to be living with HIV
than men.
Noting that six out of 10
persons living with HIV in the country are females, Aliyu stressed 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,” he said.
Aliyu reaffirmed NACA’s
dedication to empowering women and girls while recognising their role in the
fight against HIV/AIDS.
He said the agency remains
steadfast in promoting inclusive policies, ensuring access to comprehensive
healthcare, and fostering education to empower women to make informed decisions
regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
“Through targeted interventions
and community engagement, we strive to create an environment that protects and
uplifts the dignity of every woman,” Aliyu noted.
The DG commended individuals,
organisations, and partners for their efforts in advancing women’s rights and
the global HIV/AIDS response while urging everyone to continue their efforts
without wavering.
“Together, let us continue to
work towards a future where every woman can live free from the burden of
HIV/AIDS,” he added.
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