The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) on Tuesday in Abuja urged stakeholders working to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic to sustain their efforts to ensure the complete elimination of the scourge by 2030.

UNAIDS Nigeria’s Community Support Adviser, Gabriel Undelikwo, delivered this charge during a press conference and candlelight memorial held to honour people lost to HIV/AIDS and reaffirm collective commitment to continued action.

The event, organised by the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, formed part of activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, highlighting national unity and dedication to sustaining HIV interventions.

The year 2025 World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” underscores the nation’s commitment to maintaining progress despite challenges, ensuring effective prevention, treatment, and care services reach communities nationwide.

Mr Undelikwo noted the latest UNAIDS report confirmed the world could end AIDS by 2030 if human rights were protected for people, particularly individuals living with HIV or those most at risk.

He stressed that Nigeria must follow the right path by sustaining its HIV response, expanding rights-based services, and preventing new infections among children to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

He added the memorial symbolised remembrance, solidarity, and hope, honoring lives lost while reinforcing determination to fight stigma, support affected individuals, advanced treatment, and continued collective efforts toward finally ending AIDS.

Society for Family Health Managing Director, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders, emphasising that Nigeria must maintain momentum until HIV was no longer considered a public health emergency nationwide.

He highlighted that for three decades the organisation had provided leadership, compassion, and dedication in Nigeria’s HIV response, strengthening communities, expanding services, and empowering individuals through stigma reduction and sustained support.

He added that through innovation, resilience, and strong partnerships, the organisation had transformed HIV prevention, treatment, and care nationwide, ensuring hope guided the experiences of millions rather than fear or stigma.

Winifred-Abbo Agogo of the Global Fund’s coordinating body said the theme aligned with Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda, prioritising health, human development, inclusive growth, and stronger systems ensuring access to HIV services.

She urged communities to lead boldly in HIV education, testing, treatment support, and advocacy, speaking out against stigma and discrimination while partnering with government and civil society to reach vulnerable populations.

(NAN)