Abuja: The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has empowered adolescents and youths with digital skills to help disseminate information, combat stigma, and promote awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS-related issues. Speaking at the opening of the five-day training in Abuja, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, shared that the initiative was designed to leverage the wide reach and influence of digital platforms.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training was organized by NACA in collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Caring Lots International Initiative. Ilori noted that young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) and other vulnerable youths across West Africa often faced challenges such as stigma, discrimination, unemployment, and limited access to education and digital skills.
Ilori emphasized the importance of content creation as an essential skill in today's digital world. She stated that the training would empower participants to become voices of change and hope, countering online content that promotes risky behavior. NACA's commitment to youth-focused HIV prevention was highlighted, referencing the Nigeria HIV Prevention Strategy for Adolescents and Young People, which prioritizes communication and content creation.
The training targeted 40 young people living with or affected by HIV in Abuja and surrounding areas, aligning with Nigeria's HIV programming goals and the UNAIDS 2030 targets. The program covered various topics, including digital skills, entrepreneurship, AI tools for content creation, and multimedia skills.
Mr. Murtala Mahmoud, representing the ACCI Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, emphasized that the training was about empowerment, opportunity, and resilience. Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, First Deputy President of ACCI, encouraged participants to use their new skills to create more awareness on HIV/AIDS, especially at the community level.
Participants expressed appreciation to the organizers, stating that the skills and tools acquired would help them use digital platforms to promote health awareness and drive positive change. NAN reports that each of the 40 beneficiaries received a tablet device and a certificate of participation at the end of the training.