Of the 160,000 Nigerians living with HIV, only 45,000 are under treatment, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has said.
CCN has also said that the fight against HIV/AIDS stigmatisation in Nigeria requires active involvement from the federal government and community leaders.
CCN president, Most Rev David Onuoha, stated this at yesterday’s HIV intervention close-out ceremony in Abuja.
Onuoha, represented by Most Rev. Peter Ogunmuyiwa, said, “We need more collaboration and sensitisation from the government so that the numbers can be reduced.”
Onuoha acknowledged the government’s efforts towards ending stigmatisation but stressed the need for more significant support.
According to him, “The rate at which these numbers are going shows that the government needs to do more to support religious organisations in combating HIV.
“Like faith-based organisations campaign for reduction and elimination of HIV, our prayer is that we need more collaboration from the government.”
Onuoha praised international agencies for their support but underscored the need for more action, particularly for adolescents.
“We have international agencies that have been supporting and reducing the number of people living with HIV/AIDS, especially adolescents,” Onuoha said while quoting scripture.
He reminded attendees of Jesus’ love for children and the vulnerable, saying, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
According to Onuoha, the government’s proactive role is vital: “Where the government is very proactive, it will bring down the figure.”
“Now, about 160,000 Nigerians are living with HIV, and only 45,000 are under treatment.
“We need medical facilities to address these issues, and faith-based organisations cannot do it alone. The government must urgently fund these efforts,” he added.
