The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) revealed on Monday that more women are living with HIV in Nigeria than men, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the agency, HIV is likely to be three times more prevalent in young Nigerian women than in men of the same age group.
Speaking at a press conference held in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD), which is on March 8, the Director General of NACA, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, explained that in Nigeria today, six out of 10 people living with HIV are females.
“Young women living in Nigeria are three times more likely to be living with HIV than men of the same age group. Six out of 10 persons living with HIV in the country are females, emphasising the need to invest in women,” he said.
Aliyu, therefore, called for the empowerment of Nigerian women, which is in line with this year’s theme for the IWD celebration by the United Nations, ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’
He further stated that, in commemoration of this year’s IWD, NACA is committed to investing in the health of Nigerian women.
“Investing in women is not just a financial commitment; it’s an investment in the sustainable progress of our societies. When we empower women, we create a transformative effect that positively impacts families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”
Aliyu also added that NACA remains committed to promoting inclusive policies, ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare, and fostering education to empower women to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
