NOA, NACA forge national alliance to boost HIV prevention, end stigma
Abdullateef Fowewe
In a landmark move to combat HIV/AIDS and eliminate stigma across Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a nationwide campaign focused on prevention, mother-to-child transmission reduction, and anti-discrimination efforts.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive a nationwide strategic collaboration focused on HIV prevention, the reduction of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), and the elimination of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
The partnership according to a statement on Monday by the NOA leverages NOA’s extensive grassroots communication network, spanning all 774 Local Government Areas, and NACA’s technical expertise in HIV response to deliver comprehensive public awareness campaigns across the country.
It reads, “Through this collaboration, innovative outreach initiatives will be rolled out using radio, television, social media, town halls, and community engagement platforms to ensure inclusive and far-reaching messaging.
“Highlights of the collaboration include the training of State Directors and Health Desk Officers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the launch of dedicated phone-in radio programmes on 199 partner radio stations, and the deployment of HIV-themed billboard campaigns nationwide.”
Speaking at the MoU signing, both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating efforts toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat in Nigeria.
This strategic alliance marks a major milestone in scaling up public education, promoting access to HIV services, and fostering a stigma-free society.
The NOA–NACA partnership represents a strategic leap in scaling up education, promoting access to services, and building a more inclusive, stigma-free nation.
