In a bid to meet the Abuja Declaration’s ambitious targets, the United States Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, Dr. John Nkengasong, assures Nigeria of their unwavering partnership.
The declaration, agreed upon in 2001 during a meeting in Abuja by African Union member states, aimed to allocate 15% of their governments’ health budgets to address pressing health challenges, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Speaking at the Foreign Press Centre (FPC) reporting tour in Washington D.C., Dr. Nkengasong highlighted the commitment of the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy in supporting Nigeria and other African countries in achieving the targets set forth in the Abuja Declaration.
He emphasized the goal to ensure that at least 95% of infected individuals know their status, receive appropriate treatment, and achieve viral load suppression by 2030.
“By that date, we intend to ensure that at least 95% of infected individuals know their status, get the right treatment, and ensure viral load suppression,” Dr. Nkengasong stated, emphasizing the importance of reaching the set objectives.
However, despite progress, Nigeria has not fully met the targeted allocation of 15% of the health budget to tackle HIV/AIDS and other health challenges.
Dr. Nkengasong stressed that political and financial sustainability are paramount to realizing the goals and encouraged collaboration among concerned agencies.
“We must ensure political and financial sustainability and partner with relevant agencies to achieve our goals,” Dr. Nkengasong affirmed, urging a coordinated effort to drive progress.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), initiated by former President George Bush in 2003, has played a significant role in supporting thousands of laboratories, facilities, and healthcare workers in Nigeria and across Africa over the last two decades.
This comprehensive program has expanded its reach beyond HIV/AIDS to address other infectious diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19, offering funding and knowledge exchange to strengthen public health responses.
“PEPFAR has supported thousands of laboratories, facilities, and healthcare workers in Nigeria and Africa over the last two decades,” Dr. Nkengasong revealed, acknowledging the program’s impact in bolstering healthcare infrastructure.
Former director of the Office of National AIDS Policy and Presidential Envoy on AIDS at the White House, Sandra Thurman, underscored the importance of combating stigmatization, which remains a major barrier for infected individuals seeking help.
She emphasized that media, arts, journalism, and effective communication play pivotal roles in removing stigma and fostering acceptance.
“Media, arts, journalism, and effective communication play pivotal roles in removing stigma and fostering acceptance,” Sandra Thurman highlighted, emphasizing the power of these platforms in shaping perceptions.
Dr. Nkengasong emphasized the significance of good policies and public health practices in saving lives.
He revealed that PEPFAR has contributed to saving 25 million lives, with nearly six million babies born free of the disease.
HIV/AIDS continues to pose a significant public health threat, especially for Nigeria and Africa’s young demographic, necessitating decisive action and sustained engagement.
“HIV/AIDS is still a serious public health threat. It is affecting Nigeria and Africa’s young demographic, and it is a security threat for them if we do not take decisive action now,” Dr. Nkengasong emphasized the urgency of the situation.