Geneva, 6 May 2011—President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria has confirmed his participation in this year’s UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS. The gathering of Heads of State and high-level representatives from government, the scientific community, civil society and the private sector will be a unique opportunity to review and renew global commitments for the AIDS response.
“The High Level Meeting will be a milestone in the global AIDS response,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “As the leader of a country that is heavily impacted by the epidemic, President Jonathan’s voice and engagement in this meeting will be critical to move the AIDS agenda forward,” he added. The High Level Meeting will be held in New York City from 8-10 June 2011.
Nigeria has the second largest population of people living with HIV after South Africa. The estimated HIV prevalence among adults in Nigeria is 3.6%, with wide variations across the country.
In recent years, Nigeria has made progress in its efforts to expand access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. According to UNAIDS estimates, coverage of antiretroviral treatment in Nigeria reached 21% in 2009, up from 1% coverage in 2004.
