Posted on: Fri 18-07-2025

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is gearing up for the 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA2025), set to take place from August 5-7 in Lagos. This pivotal event, themed "Advancing National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid," signals a transformative moment for Nigeria’s fight against HIV as the country navigates a shifting global health landscape.

A Response to Changing Tides

The conference comes on the heels of significant international developments, including the U.S. suspension of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has supported 20.6 million people worldwide, as reported by Premium Times on July 10, 2025. This funding cut has prompted Nigeria to accelerate its transition toward self-sustainability in managing the HIV epidemic, which affects an estimated 1.7 million people in the country, according to UNAIDS. NACA’s initiative reflects a strategic pivot to reduce reliance on foreign aid, aligning with global calls for country ownership in health responses. The agency’s collaboration with the Lagos State Government and a broad coalition of stakeholders underscores a localized approach to tackling the epidemic, supported by NACA’s ongoing e-learning platform, which equips health professionals with essential skills to sustain the national HIV response.

Addressing a Critical Public Health Challenge

Sub-Saharan Africa, home to 62% of the world’s HIV cases, continues to bear the brunt of the pandemic, with Nigeria ranking second globally in the number of infections. The region’s vulnerability is exacerbated by poverty, with over 70% of the world’s poorest people residing there, a factor linked to risky behaviors that fuel HIV transmission, as highlighted in recent studies published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

The NCA2025 theme emphasizes building a sustainable HIV agenda amidst these challenges, drawing on lessons from the PEPFAR transition. Innovative funding mechanisms, such as tax levies and community-based insurance—successfully piloted in countries like Zimbabwe—are under consideration to bolster domestic resources, a strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The three-day conference will bring together key players, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders, to shape Nigeria’s HIV strategy. “This is a critical opportunity to empower our nation to take full ownership of its HIV response,” said a NACA spokesperson. “With the global policy landscape evolving, we are committed to achieving SDG 3.3—ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”

Registration details are yet to be finalized, but interested participants are encouraged to monitor NACA’s official channels for updates. As the event approaches, anticipation builds for a roadmap that could redefine Nigeria’s approach to HIV/AIDS, blending local innovation with global best practices.

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