According to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), six out of ten individuals living with HIV in the country are females. As the agency marks this year’s International Women’s Day, it sheds light on the alarming statistic, emphasizing that young women face three times higher risks of life-threatening health challenges compared to men of the same age group.
NACA’s Director-General, Gambo Aliyu, underscores the relevance of this year’s theme, “Invest in women, accelerate progress,” stressing the agency’s commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing the distinct hurdles faced by women living with HIV/AIDS.
In a press statement, Aliyu expresses concern over the disproportionately high prevalence of HIV among young women in Nigeria, urging for increased investment in women’s health and well-being.
“Investing in women goes beyond financial commitments; it’s a crucial step towards ensuring the sustainable advancement of our societies,” Aliyu remarks.”
