By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mrs Joy Timothy, a 36-year-old mother of four, stared gloomily at her nearly empty restaurant.

She pondered what to do with the leftover food in the flask.

It would likely spoil by day’s end due to the erratic power supply that had rendered her freezer ineffective.

Prior to this time, her restaurant bustled with activity.

Several salesgirls assisted with cooking and serving meals to numerous customers, especially during the busy weekday rush.

She was once the envy of many; her food was known to be delicious, affordable, and hygienically prepared.

However, her fortunes took a drastic turn.

“I had a fight with my husband at home because he asked for money to buy alcohol and give to his girlfriend.

“My refusal led him to storm into the restaurant at peak hours, verbally abuse me, and publicly disclose my HIV status to customers,” she recounted.

Since the incident, customer patronage has declined sharply, worsening her economic hardship.

Her husband has since disappeared, leaving her to care for their children alone.

Mrs Timothy’s experience is not unique.

Many individuals face stigmatisation in workplaces, schools, businesses, and across wider society due to their HIV status.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with over 200 million people, carries one of the highest burdens of HIV globally, according to the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

As of 2023, around two million people in Nigeria were living with HIV/AIDS.

Of these, 1.6 million are receiving treatment, with a national prevalence rate of 1.3 per cent among adults aged 15–49.

Nevertheless, there has been measurable progress.

In 2023, the country recorded 75,000 new cases, a huge decline from the 130,000 reported in 2010.

According to USAID, approximately 1.3 million people in Nigeria are aware of their HIV status, with around 1.1 million receiving treatment to maintain their health and well-being.

It is worth recalling that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), formerly the National Action Committee on AIDS, was established in 2000 to coordinate the national HIV/AIDS response.

Since its inception, NACA has been led by several notable figures, including Prof Babatunde Oshotimehin, Dr Sani Aliyu, and Dr Gambo Aliyu, all of whom contributed meaningfully to the agency’s mandate.

This legacy continued in March 2024, when President Bola Tinubu appointed Dr Temitope Ilori; a trailblazer in public health and medicine as the new Director-General.

Ilori, the first woman to hold the position, was welcomed with high expectations from the government, people living with HIV (PLHIV), and stakeholders, all eager to see the direction she would take the agency.

Now, one year into her tenure, Nigerians are asking pertinent questions: How has the agency fared under her leadership? Has there been any notable transformation? What impact has she made in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic?

They also wonder whether, as a woman, she has proven the popular saying that “what a man can do, a woman can do better”.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr Ilori stated that she has spent the past year driving reforms, strengthening partnerships, and championing sustainable approaches in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response.

Among the key achievements under her leadership are strategic partnerships with both local and international organisations, which have led to increased funding and technical support for NACA’s programmes.

“For the first time in three years, Nigeria’s HIV data was successfully published by UNAIDS, reflecting improved data transparency and collaboration.

“We also launched the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Data Ecosystem at the NACA Command Centre to serve as a one-stop shop for HIV data within the country.

“We signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with pharmaceutical companies for the local production of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, HIV test kits, and other essential commodities, including active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production,” she explained.

On the issue of stigmatisation, Ilori assured PLHIV that NACA remains committed to protecting their rights through the enforcement of policies and laws that prevent stigma, discrimination, and inequality.

“We honour the strength, resilience, and leadership of women living with HIV. You face not only the virus but also stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers, yet you continue to rise, to fight, and to demand your rightful place in this world.

“You are mothers, daughters, sisters, leaders, advocates, and warriors. You refuse to be silenced or defined by HIV.

“You are breaking down barriers, shattering stigma, and changing not only your own lives, but those of countless others who look to you for hope and inspiration.

“We stand with you. We fight with you. We commit to a future where every woman, regardless of her HIV status, has access to healthcare, dignity, and the respect she deserves,” she said.

Ilori also noted the agency’s prioritisation of community engagement, stating that NACA ensures interventions are tailored to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and key populations.

To improve the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric HIV treatment coverage in underserved areas, state-level committees have been established in Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Borno, Kwara, and Kaduna.

Recognising the importance of alternative funding sources, Ilori revealed that NACA has intensified efforts to strengthen the HIV Trust Fund through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

This aligns with global trends promoting domestic health financing.

“In response to the recent pause in aid from the United States Government, President Tinubu allocated $200 million to sustain HIV/AIDS programmes and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

“This affirms Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in healthcare funding”.

Ilori further noted that the government has fast-tracked local production of ARVs, test kits, and consumables to reduce reliance on external support.

Additionally, NACA partnered with the Nigerian Postal Service to facilitate the transportation of laboratory samples to referral laboratories.

Albeit these advancements, she acknowledged that challenges persist, including unequal access to services, cultural barriers, harmful gender norms, and societal misconceptions, in relation to PMTCT services.

Concerns about the long-term sustainability of interventions also remain.

To address these, she stressed the need to strengthen the health system, ensure equitable access to services, extend coverage to marginalised populations, and improve health literacy.

She added the need to promote local production of HIV commodities to reduce treatment costs and improve accessibility.

Also, Mrs Stella Ebeh-Obianuju, Coordinator of the Hope Initiative, a mother-to-mother support group, emphasised the importance of empowering women, especially those living with HIV, to overcome stigmatisation.

She noted that discrimination undermines the self-esteem and productivity of PLHIV, and called for stronger action against individuals who perpetuate such behaviours.

She also urged PLHIV to join support groups and pursue economic self-empowerment to maintain access to medication, nutrition, and other essential needs.

Meanwhile, several stakeholders have commended Dr Ilori’s leadership since she assumed office.

Mr Tajudeen Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) overseeing Global Fund-supported HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria programmes, described her as a transformative leader.

“The PLHIV community and the wider public have full confidence in your ability to synergise efforts towards achieving the 2030 target of ending the HIV epidemic.

“You have made significant progress, particularly in localising the HIV response and empowering communities towards improved health outcomes,” he said.

Dr Leo Zekeng, Country Director of UNAIDS, also praised Ilori’s leadership over the past year.

“Your achievements have been both remarkable and inspiring. Your dedication to implementing impactful policies has significantly contributed to the national HIV/AIDS response.

“Your innovative strategies and collaborative efforts have strengthened strategic partnerships, even in a challenging environment.

“You have championed domestic production of HIV commodities and engaged subnational leadership to ensure widespread access to testing and treatment.

“Your leadership in establishing the National PMTCT Acceleration Committee and joining the Global Partnership to Eliminate HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination reflects your commitment to human rights and inclusive healthcare,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Echey Ijezie, Country Programme Director at AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, acknowledged the improved collaboration between NACA and implementing partners since Ilori’s appointment.

“She made it clear that eradicating HIV in Nigeria requires collective effort. Her inclusive leadership has created a level playing field and enhanced cooperation among stakeholders,” he noted.

Mrs Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), commended Ilori’s unwavering commitment and visionary leadership, particularly in PMTCT.

Abdulkadir Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), also applauded her efforts.

“Your tireless work has given PLHIV hope and reassurance that the government remains committed to our cause, even amid funding challenges.

“Your leadership has built trust and strengthened our collective resolve to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of PLHIV in Nigeria,” he said.

In conclusion, stakeholders say Ilori’s focus on innovation, community engagement, and strategic partnerships has revitalised Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response.

They added that under her leadership, NACA is well-positioned to deepen its impact, reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths, and keep the country on track to achieve an AIDS-free generation. (NANFeatures)