Funke Akindele, the Nigerian actress and film producer known for her role as ‘Jenifa’, has been appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for HIV in Nigeria by the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
The appointment was announced during the 2024 World AIDS Day (WAD) celebration on Tuesday, which was held under the theme, “Take the Rights Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.” The event was organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
As National Goodwill Ambassador, Akindele will work to raise awareness about HIV, reduce stigma, and improve access to treatment. Her role will also include advocating for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT), a critical area in the fight against the epidemic.
During the event, Dr. Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Representative, praised Nigeria’s progress in combating HIV over the last two decades. He stressed the importance of continuing these efforts to meet the 2030 target of ending AIDS. He also highlighted the need for stronger advocacy and efforts to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV, emphasizing Akindele’s role in these initiatives.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle-Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, called on Akindele and other public figures to amplify awareness about HIV prevention and treatment. Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of NACA, pledged support for Akindele in her ambassadorial role and the nation’s goal to end AIDS by 2030.
In her response, Akindele expressed her dedication to the cause, pledging to focus on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring that no child is born with HIV. She committed to collaborating with national and international organizations, including the Federal Government, to boost public awareness through digital campaigns and foster partnerships to support the fight against HIV.
“I am committed to contributing meaningfully toward ending HIV/AIDS as a global health threat,” Akindele stated, highlighting the need for a human rights-based approach, particularly in Nigeria, where over 160,000 children are living with the virus.
World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1, serves as a reminder to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, while honoring those affected by the epidemic.
