The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Gambo Aliyu, has called on Nigerians to demand HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and care services in order to achieve adequate coverage and meet the United Nations target of ending AIDS by 2030. Aliyu made this statement during a two-day workshop training for social media influencers, bloggers, and journalists held in Abuja.

Aliyu emphasized that although HIV does not have a cure, it no longer poses a fatal threat and can be successfully managed. He highlighted the fact that many individuals have been living with the virus for several decades, and it is crucial for people to understand that the fight against HIV begins with them. Aliyu acknowledged the challenge of reaching and engaging with the adolescent and young population, and expressed the belief that social media influencers can play a significant role in connecting with this demographic and spreading accurate information.

The NACA DG urged people to proactively seek HIV services, emphasizing that by doing so, they are not only benefiting themselves but also contributing to the overall control of HIV. He stressed the importance of individuals demanding HIV services rather than the agency having to actively search for and test people. Aliyu highlighted the agency's success in transforming HIV from a deadly disease to one that no longer poses a significant threat.

Looking ahead to 2030, Aliyu emphasized the need to identify close to 100 percent of those living with the virus and acknowledged that the conventional methods may not be sufficient to reach the remaining three to four percent. He emphasized the importance of people developing a culture of demanding HIV services, including testing and treatment. The NACA DG encouraged individuals to familiarize themselves with the agency's contact information, as it is crucial for people to know their HIV status and seek appropriate services.

Toyin Aderibigbe, the Deputy Director of the Public Relation and Protocol Division of NACA, highlighted the crucial role of social media in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and combating stigma and discrimination. She emphasized the importance of equipping social media influencers and journalists with accurate knowledge to counteract the spread of fake news and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Aderibigbe expressed confidence that the workshop would be interactive and successful in achieving its mission of ending AIDS by 2030, with the support of advocates on social media and traditional media platforms.

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