…warns rising infections threaten progress

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

As the world marks World AIDS Day 2025, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria say the global reality of 1.3 million new HIV infections annually and nearly 40 million people living with the virus underscores the urgency of sustained action, particularly as stigma, discrimination, and barriers to treatment continue to hinder progress, especially for women, girls, and key populations.

A statement by the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade said the organisation would hold a major commemorative event in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on December 1, to reaffirm that despite decades of progress, the fight against HIV/AIDS was far from over.

He said the 2025 commemoration would promote awareness, prevention, testing, and care, while expressing solidarity with communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

He noted that ahead of the main event, AHF would hold a media breakfast meeting in Abuja, bringing together journalists and key stakeholders including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), NASCP, NEPWHAN, and ASHWAN.

According to AHF, the engagement was designed to highlight the central role of the media in shaping public understanding of HIV.

“The media plays a very important role in disseminating information and forming opinions in any society. Journalists have a huge impact on what societies understand about HIV/AIDS and how they perceive people who are affected by it,” the organisation noted.

“On December 1, AHF Nigeria and its partners will embark on a road walk from Keffi city centre to Nasarawa State University, where health awareness sessions for students and the public will follow. Students, Red Cross members, civil society groups, community-based organisations, skaters, and traditional dancers are expected to participate. Free condoms and educational materials will be distributed along the route.

“Across other AHF-supported states, teams would appear on radio programmes to educate the public about HIV/AIDS, including emerging treatment options, while also offering free testing and condoms,” part of the statement read.

AHF Nigeria’s Country Program Director, Dr. Echey Ijezie, said the organisation’s recent investments in youth-friendly centres were driven by rising infections among young people.

“AHF Nigeria recently opened a Wellness Centre in both Abuja and Benue as a response to the rising waves of STIs among adolescents and young people, Our decision to program for this population is the reason we are partnering with the Keffi State University to expand access for students and empower other youths to take charge of their health,” Dr. Ijezie explained.

AHF Africa Bureau Chief, Martin Matabishi, warned that complacency could reverse hard-won progress. “Africa has made great strides against HIV, but rising infections, especially among adolescents and young women, remind us that the fight isn’t over,”

“To truly transform the AIDS response, we must embrace inclusive health policies, promote combination prevention, and work with communities to lead the fight against stigma and inequality.”

AHF also raised concerns about the impact of high drug prices on global HIV prevention efforts, saying pharmaceutical companies must prioritize lives over profits.
“Even with groundbreaking prevention tools like long-acting injectables, high prices keep them out of reach for those who need them most,” the organisation cautioned.

Accordinh to the organisation, World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, remains a crucial moment to reflect on progress, honour lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and renew calls for governments worldwide to commit the political will and resources needed to end AIDS. This year’s reminder, AHF stressed, is clear: “It’s Not Over.”