The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for a strategic shift in HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, moving away from fear-based messaging to a more inclusive and stigma-free approach.
The agency’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu of National Orientation Agency (NOA), emphasized the need to reframe HIV/AIDS as a manageable health condition, akin to hypertension and diabetes, rather than a death sentence.
Speaking during a visit at the agency’s headquarters by the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, Issa-Onilu reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to leveraging its extensive grassroots network to amplify HIV prevention, treatment, and anti-discrimination campaigns.
To tackle the rising case of HIV/AIDS, the NOA boss pledged the agency unwavering support as the fight continues.
He also urged NACA to adopt innovative local strategies to sustain awareness efforts amid dwindling international funding, especially from U.S. government.
Dr. Ilori acknowledged NOA’s impact and called for stronger collaboration on HIV/AIDS awareness.
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She noted that many, especially the youth, underestimate the disease due to treatment success.
Despite over two million Nigerians living with HIV, infections are rising, particularly among young people and children.
She stressed the need for better public awareness and behavioral change to combat misinformation and enhance prevention.
