The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have formally pledged to strengthen their collaboration to integrate HIV services into the national emergency and disaster response systems.
Key Details of the Collaboration
- Goal: To ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), maintain access to HIV prevention tools, testing services, and treatment during times of crisis and disaster.
- Context: The pledge followed a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NACA to the NEMA headquarters in Abuja.
- Need for Integration: NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized the necessity of embedding HIV interventions within disaster management, particularly for IDPs who are often cut off from essential health services.
- NEMA’s Commitment: NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, acknowledged that health assessments in IDP camps often overlook HIV status. She expressed interest in exploring the integration of HIV testing, care, and prevention in these settings while ensuring confidentiality and addressing stigma. She also noted the importance of preventive measures given that long-term IDP settlements can increase the risk of adult cohabitation.
- Shared Vision: Both agencies affirmed that their collaboration is essential for building community resilience, as NEMA coordinates disaster response and NACA coordinates the national HIV response.
