The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, have pledged to strengthen collaboration aimed at integrating HIV prevention and support services into Nigeria’s emergency and disaster response systems.
Both agencies made the commitment during a strategic meeting held at NEMA headquarters in Abuja, where they discussed ways to improve humanitarian responses while safeguarding the health and dignity of vulnerable populations affected by crises.
Dr. Ilori emphasized that emergencies—such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, and mass displacements—often increase the risk of HIV transmission due to disrupted health services, poor access to medication, and heightened vulnerability of displaced persons. She said NACA is working to ensure that HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services remain accessible during such situations.
Integrating HIV interventions into emergency response mechanisms is essential for sustaining progress in the national HIV response,” Ilori stated. “We must ensure that no one is left behind, even in times of crisis.”
On her part, Mrs. Umar commended NACA for its proactive approach and expressed NEMA’s readiness to deepen institutional collaboration. She noted that health and social protection must be central to disaster management efforts.
Our response to emergencies must not only focus on rescue and relief but also on protecting the long-term health of affected individuals,” Umar said. “NEMA will work closely with NACA to mainstream HIV prevention and care into our emergency operations.”
The partnership is expected to lead to the development of joint frameworks, training programs for emergency workers, and coordinated field interventions that ensure access to essential HIV commodities during crises.
Observers say the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation by 2030 while building a more resilient and inclusive emergency response system.
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