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Nigeria Pivots from Reactive to Proactive: National HIV Prevention Plan Launched in Abuja
Yesterday, Wednesday 25th March 2026, marked a historic milestone in Nigeria’s public health journey with the official launch of the National HIV Prevention Plan at the Ajuji Hotel in Abuja. This meeting brought together key leadership to align on a transformative strategy aimed at outrunning the epidemic through a unified, whole-of-society approach.
The event was attended by the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori; the National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STI Control Program; Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, the Country Director of UNAIDS, Dr. Tina Boonto; the Executive Secretary of the Country  Coordinating Mechanism, Dr. Tajudeen Ibrahim; the Representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Bilqisu Jibril Idris, who also serves as the Director of Port Health Services and partners.
In her address, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori, highlighted that the new plan represents a strategic pivot endorsed by the National Council on AIDS to move from chasing the epidemic to outrunning it. She noted that while Nigeria has successfully provided treatment for decades, the reality has changed, with nine out of ten new infections now occurring among Nigerians who do not fit traditional high-risk categories. Dr. Temitope emphasized that the nation cannot “treat its way out” of the epidemic. Instead, this plan operationalizes a shift toward a proactive, development-based model that transcends the health sector, turning classrooms, sports fields, and religious gatherings into the new frontlines of prevention.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Bilqisu Jibril Idris acknowledged the long-overdue prioritization of primary prevention. She described the plan as an investment in human capital that builds “internal compasses” such as self-respect and critical thinking in young people. She clarified that while this long-term developmental approach is essential, the Ministry remains fully committed to its dual-track responsibility, ensuring continued access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, and the elimination of vertical transmission for those currently at risk or living with the virus.
Dr. James Anenih, Director of Community Prevention and Care Services at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, alongside Dr. Sam Anya, Adviser on Science Systems and Services at UNAIDS, provided a technical overview of the plan’s core logic. Central to the roadmap is the Generation Negative (Gen-N) Strategy, which focuses on Nigerians aged 10 to 24.
The strategy is built upon two main objectives:
* Cultivating the Internal Compass: Led by the Ministry of Education, this focuses on empowering adolescents with six core values: self-respect, belonging, curiosity, critical thinking, foresight, and responsibility to navigate toward healthy, fulfilling lives.
* Mitigating Current Risks: Led by the Ministry of Health, this ensures the continued scale-up of biomedical interventions like condoms, harm reduction, and PrEP.
The launch concluded with a powerful reminder that HIV prevention is a multisectoral responsibility. From political and religious leaders to influencers, parents, and teachers, every sector of society is now challenged to contribute to the development of the “internal compass” in Nigeria’s youth. By building bridges and integrating these goals into the annual plans of every Ministry, Department, and Agency, Nigeria aims to build a sustainable, resilient future free from the burden of HIV.