“Naija no dey carry last!” That powerful phrase resonates deeply, especially when it comes to the global fight against HIV/AIDS. And it’s never been truer. As the world strives towards the crucial goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, one fact is undeniable: this goal cannot be achieved without Nigeria.

I was incredibly proud to witness Team Nigeria present at the 2025 International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference. We weren’t just attending; we were actively contributing, sharing our hard-won experiences, unique skills, and vital competencies on the global stage.

But our presence at IAS is just one step. The message is clear: Nigeria is not set to disappoint the globe. We understand the magnitude of the challenge within our borders, and we are working tirelessly to control the epidemic. The country puts communities at the heart of the response, ensuring solutions are locally owned and effective. It ensures donor funding works hard and delivers tangible results with absolute transparency. The country proactively mobilizing domestic resources to fill critical gaps when external funding shifts, building a sustainable foundation for the long haul.

Driving this accountable and impactful effort is the dynamic leadership at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). Under the pioneering vision of Nigeria’s first-ever female NACA Director General, alongside her dedicated directors, there’s a palpable energy and commitment to “make things happen.” Their focus on transparency and results is setting a powerful example.

Want to dive deeper into Nigeria’s evolving success story? Want to learn directly from the strategies making a difference? Mark your calendars for the 2025 International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA)! This is where Nigeria will showcase again its progress, its challenges, and its unwavering commitment to the 2030 goal. ICASA 2025 will be a pivotal moment to engage with leaders, experts, and communities from Nigeria.

Be there to witness Nigeria’s momentum firsthand. Be there to collaborate. Be there because, truly, Naija no dey carry last!

See you at ICASA 2025! Let’s learn, share, and accelerate the path to ending AIDS together.

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Story by: Prof. Morenike Ukpong, SAA Executive Board Member