The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is set to host the 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA) in Lagos, with a renewed focus on advancing Nigeria’s HIV response amid shrinking global aid resources.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Daniel Ndukwe, the agency confirmed the upcoming event will take place with the support of the Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS (LSACA).
Themed “Advancing the National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid”, the Council will serve as a strategic platform to assess progress, strengthen partnerships, and chart a course for a more sustainable national HIV response. The forum is expected to bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, civil society organisations, international development partners, and communities affected by HIV.
Established under the NACA Act of 2006, the National Council on AIDS is Nigeria’s highest multi-sectoral coordination body on HIV-related matters. The seventh edition comes at a critical juncture, as donor priorities continue to shift globally, compelling countries to rethink financing and implementation strategies.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, NACA Director-General and Council Chairperson, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized the urgency of domestic ownership and resilience.
“As donor landscapes evolve, Nigeria must take bold steps to ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, and support services remain accessible, inclusive, and resilient. The Council provides a unified platform to collectively shape the future of our national response,” Dr. Ilori said.
The conference will feature three thematic focus areas:
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Advancing national HIV sustainability amid changing global aid dynamics
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Multi-sectoral strategies for integrating HIV with other developmental health challenges
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Strengthening sub-national institutions for improved sustainability and health system performance
Participants will also revisit the twelve resolutions adopted at the sixth council meeting, with an open call for stakeholders to submit policy and implementation memoranda for review.
The Council is expected to play a pivotal role in aligning Nigeria’s HIV response with broader health priorities, including tuberculosis (TB), malaria, reproductive health, and the overall push for stronger health systems.
As global funding becomes increasingly constrained, this national dialogue is seen as vital to securing long-term HIV programme sustainability, improving local ownership, and ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
