…commit to joint HIV/AIDS interventions in humanitarian settings
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reinforced its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s disaster preparedness and public health management through a strengthened partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
This was contained in a statement signed by Manzo Ezekiel, Head of NEMA Press Unit, highlighting a courtesy visit by NACA Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, and her management team to NEMA Headquarters in Abuja, where both agencies explored areas of synergy in disaster and health response.
The statement reads, “We are both coordinating agencies. NACA focuses on HIV/AIDS, while NEMA coordinates disaster management. The link between health crises and disaster management is undeniable, and this partnership will help us respond better to vulnerable populations.
“I find your focus on prevention quite important. Investing in prevention saves lives and reduces the long-term cost of disaster response. It also aligns with this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction theme, which emphasizes the importance of investing in prevention rather than reaction.
“We have offices across the country and are open to hosting joint training programmes that will help build capacity and strengthen our humanitarian response.
“Community outreach, preventive health education, and data-driven planning are essential to reduce transmission and support affected persons.”
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, NEMA DG, said the collaboration would integrate health interventions into disaster management frameworks to improve preparedness, prevention, and humanitarian support for vulnerable populations, particularly in IDP camps and other high-risk areas. She emphasised that the partnership would enable joint capacity-building, training, and sensitisation of staff and emergency responders to enhance care for persons living with HIV during crises.
Dr. Ilori lauded NEMA’s leadership in coordinating national emergency efforts and noted that an estimated two million Nigerians live with HIV, many of whom are exposed to heightened risk in disaster-prone or displacement settings. She stressed that joint initiatives in awareness creation, preventive material distribution, and community engagement would ensure no vulnerable group is left behind.