World AIDS Day 2024: CISHAN calls on stakeholders to close response gaps

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

AS the world marks the 2024 World AIDS Day, Civil Society for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN) has called on the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to scale up HIV testing and treatment services particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

In a statement issued on Monday in Lokoja, as part of activities to commemorate the day, CISHAN said the call is aimed at entrenching efforts toward achieving a resilient and sustainable HIV response in Nigeria.

The statement signed by Dr Remi Obinatu, Chairman of the Governing Council of CISHAN restated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria achieves the 95-95-95 targets by 2030.

CISHAN also called on the Nigerian government, Civil Society Organizations, and all stakeholders to address the social and economic determinants of health including poverty, stigma, and discrimination, which exacerbate the HIV epidemic.

“As we mark World AIDS Day 2024, the Civil Society for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria CISHAN joins the global community in reaffirming our commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

“This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap,” resonates deeply with our mission to promote a resilient and sustainable HIV response in Nigeria.

“Today, we honor the lives lost to AIDS and celebrate the progress made in the fight against this disease.

“However, we are equally mindful of the gaps that remain in our response, particularly in reaching marginalized communities and ensuring equitable access to HIV services”, the statement added.

CISHAN reiterated its commitment to promoting human rights and gender equality by recognizing that they are essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.

The body also advocated the promotion of Human Rights and Gender Equality by recognizing that these are essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.

“We urge everyone to join us in this effort, as we strive to create a world where people living with HIV can lead healthy and fulfilling lives, free from stigma and discrimination”, the statement added. (Ends)