The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Gambo Aliyu on Tuesday said six out of 10 persons living with HIV in Nigeria are females.
Aliyu who disclosed this in a press statement released on Tuesday to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, called for the empowerment of Nigerian women.
The IWD is celebrated on March 8, annually. The official theme of the day for the United Nations is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’
Dr Aliyu said, “This year’s theme, ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’ resonates deeply with NACA’s commitment to advancing gender equality and addressing unique challenges faced by women living with HIV/AIDS.
“Young women living in Nigeria are three times more likely to be living with HIV than men of the same age group.
“Six out of 10 persons living with HIV in the country are females, emphasizing the need to invest in women.
“Investing in women is not just a financial commitment; it’s an investment in the sustainable progress of our societies.
“When we empower women, we create a transformative effect that positively impacts families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”
