Julius OkorieNewly appointed National Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Funke Akindele, has called for all hands to be on deck in the fight against the scourge in Nigeria and beyond.
The popular actress movie producer and director made the clarion call after she was handed the appointment in Abuja as one of the activities marking the World AIDS Day Commemoration, in Abuja.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAkindele, who recently expanded her portfolio and business empire with the launch of Jenifa Gardens, expressed delight at the appointment and her resolve to give it her best shot.
“I am truly honoured to be given this opportunity to be the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador! I believe that together we can win the fight against HIV /AIDS in Nigeria by 2030 and in the world at large.”she enthused.
UNAIDS had earlier cited her humanitarian efforts as reason for the appointment.
The body noted that her influence and commitment to social change will contribute in no small measure in mobilising efforts for HIV prevention and ensuring that key messages reach wider audiences across the country.
The official announcement of Funke Akindele’s appointment was made during the World AIDS Day commemoration in Abuja by the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed M. Malick Fall.
Nomination process for the National Goodwill Ambassador involved active collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), which hailed UNAIDS’ role in securing such a significant partnership for Nigeria’s HIV response.
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UNAIDS Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Leopold Zekeng, expressed optimism over the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Funke Akindele as our National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria. Her powerful voice, vast influence, and commitment to social change make her an invaluable ally in our efforts to combat HIV and support people living with HIV in Nigeria.”
As UNAIDS’ National Goodwill Ambassador, Akindele who is not new to humanitarian efforts, will be expected to ginger efforts aimed at eliminating vertical transmission of HIV, ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and promoting HIV prevention across Nigeria.
According to UNAID’s statistics, “Nigeria has made significant strides in the fight against HIV over the past two decades. As of 2023, approximately 2 million people are living with HIV in the country, with an adult prevalence rate of 1.3% among individuals aged 15–49. Nigeria recorded approximately 130,000 new HIV infections in 2010. By 2023, this number had declined to about 75,000 new infections, representing a reduction of approximately 55,000 cases, or a 42.3% decrease over the 13-year period. The country has also achieved notable progress in treatment access, with 1.6 million out of the 2 million people living with HIV in Nigeria currently on treatment”.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including addressing stigma and discrimination and ensuring equitable access to prevention and treatment services.
World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on December 1st each year. It has become one of the most recognised international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
