HIV/AIDS - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Rotaract Club to raise awareness on sickle cell, cancer, HIV/AIDS

Philip Daniel Yatai
Apr, Fri, 2025

Health

Rotaract Club to raise awareness on sickle cell, cancer, HIV/AIDS

315 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Rotaract Club of Omole-Golden, Lagos, says it has concluded plans for its maiden fashion show to raise awareness on sickle cell, cancer, HIV/AIDS and polio.

The club’s Co-Project Chair for Disease Prevention and Treatment, Daniella Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rotaract clubs are a global youth programme under Rotary International, focused on developing young leaders through service and community engagement.

Olayinka said that the event hoped to reach over 300 people physically and more than 3,000 virtually.

She said the event was organised in partnership with Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, Rotary Club International, Rotary Club of Okowonjo, Nigeria National Polioplus Committee, and Tonymay Foundation and Hope for HIV/AIDS International.

Olayinka explained that the programme was under the club’s disease control and treatment project, “using fashion as our voice on the runway”.

The co-project chair said the two-day event, scheduled for April 25 and 26, titled, “Catwalk for a Cause: Fashioning Awareness”, would be a creative blend of fashion, education and free medical outreach.

She added that the free health services would consist of blood pressure checks, glucose testing, HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, malaria testing, polio vaccination, and simple cancer education.

“First day of the event, will take place at Ogba Central Mall, Ogba, Lagos and will be a marketplace outreach offering the aforementioned free health services.

“The second day will feature brief masterclasses by health professionals and a themed fashion show where each attire represents one of the diseases,” she said.

Olayinka said that the goal was to make health awareness engaging and relatable, using fashion to spark conversations and spread knowledge.

She added that the programme was also designed to raise funds for NGOs working to support individuals affected by cancer, sickle cell, polio and HIV/AIDS. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

U.S. waiver offers relief for HIV treatment programme, says NACA DG

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Fri, 2025

Health

U.S. waiver offers relief for HIV treatment programme, says NACA DG

544 total views today

HIV

By Justina Auta

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), says the recent U.S. waiver on lifesaving medicines and medical services provides relief for global HIV treatment.

President Donald Trump previously issued an executive order halting foreign aid spending for 90 days.

Ilori, in a statement in Abuja, said the waiver would allow continuous distribution of HIV medications and medical services supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Nigeria.

She noted that the reassessment of U.S. foreign aid raised concerns among stakeholders regarding HIV/AIDS and TB technical support and funding.

Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in West and Central Africa.

“Over two decades, global AIDS response partners have supported Nigeria in scaling up HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support.

“The U.S. government, through PEPFAR, has significantly supported Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, particularly in sustaining treatment for people living with HIV.

“PEPFAR-Nigeria remains the largest donor for treatment, covering approximately 90 per cent of the burden,” she said.

She added that the waiver allows the continued distribution of HIV medications and medical services under PEPFAR in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government appreciates the U.S. waiver and remains mindful of potential foreign aid changes under the new administration.

“We will intensify domestic resource mobilisation to ensure ownership and sustainability of the HIV response.

“This will reduce risks from donor policy shifts while ensuring Nigeria achieves its strategic HIV response goals,” she said.

She added that through stakeholder collaboration, favourable policies, and advocacy, Nigeria can still achieve its goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

“We encourage patients to continue accessing HIV treatment services nationwide.

“We urge state governors, private sector partners, National and State Assembly members, CSOs, media, and other stakeholders to remain committed to fighting HIV/AIDS.

“We appreciate the U.S. Government and international partners for their ongoing support of Nigeria’s HIV response,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo