The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has collaborated with the Federal Capital Territory AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Program (FASCP), and other stakeholders, to host a symposium in commemoration of World AIDS Day 2025.
Government leaders, Implementing Partners, Civil Society Organisations, and Private-sector actors convened at the event with sub-theme, “Innovating Together: Sustaining the Integrated HIV, STI’s, Viral Hepatitis, TB and Malaria Response in the FCT,” to chart a pathway toward a more resilient and integrated health response.
In alignment with the national theme, “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” the symposium addressed persistent funding constraints, systems disruptions, and the need for innovative approaches to maintain essential HIV and ATM services.
Delivering remarks on behalf of IHVN, Director of Finance and Administration, Dr. Olu Alabi stated, “I want to congratulate the Department of Health for commemorating this year’s World AIDS Day. Despite the challenges and shortcomings, we face, Nigerians are resilient. We are Nigerians, and we must take care of ourselves. This is our response, our communities, and our future. Despite the disruptions, we have what it takes to sustain our progress.”
He said that IHVN is ready to work with the FCT and the Federal Government to explore better ways to reduce wastage, optimise resources, and strengthen the systems that support HIV, STI, Viral Hepatitis, TB, and Malaria interventions.
At the event, Director of the FCT Department of Public Health, Dan Gadzama said that integration of malaria, tuberculosis and other health services will minimize cost and ensure wider access. He said that the FCT Administration will continue to deepen partnerships to address disruptions in HIV care.
Also speaking at the symposium, IHVN FCT Regional Manager, Dr. Tangkat Hosle, noted that the gathering provided a critical opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the progress of ongoing interventions and identify areas for improvement.
According to him, “This symposium provides an opportunity for us to review our interventions and examine how we can strengthen and improve them. Importantly, as we focus on sustaining the benefits of these interventions, the theme for this year is both timely and topical. It challenges us to think more strategically about the future of the HIV response in the FCT.”
Throughout the symposium, participants reflected on the vulnerabilities within the health system such as reduced donor funding, supply chain gaps, rising program costs and the need for stronger community structures. The discussions highlighted innovative strategies including service integration, improved surveillance, digital health tools, and efficient resource allocation to ensure continuity of care.
Stakeholders also acknowledged IHVN’s significant role in the FCT’s progress, particularly in treatment scale-up, data management, healthcare workforce capacity, and community engagement.
The meeting ended with a renewed joint commitment to protect public health gains and accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. Stakeholders pledged to sustain collaboration, strengthen innovation, and harness domestic capacity to build a more resilient HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria response in the FCT and across Nigeria.
