US CDC Hosts 5th Biannual Stakeholder Engagement Meeting In Abuja

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) began the first day of its fifth biannual stakeholder engagement meetings in Abuja on October 30,2024.                                                                                                                              

Themed “Strategic Pivoting Towards Programme Simplification and Sustainable Public Health Intervention,” the event seeks to enhance partnerships with federal and state officials, multilateral organisations, community stakeholders, and implementing partners. This focus on collaboration is expected to streamline HIV programme implementation, to achieve more sustainable public health interventions across Nigeria.

During the first day’s sessions, participants explored strategies for HIV programme simplification and discussed ways to enhance workforce integration. This process is seen as a critical step toward sustainable ownership of health initiatives. The second day of the event will shift to assess the progress of the state-led President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and to consider innovative models for health insurance at national and state levels.

In his opening remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr. reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting HIV epidemic control, disease outbreak responses, and improved health outcomes across Nigeria. Mills acknowledged the tireless efforts of those who work to improve the lives of Nigerians living with HIV, remarking, “Nigeria serves as a model to the rest of the world, not only in reaching HIV epidemic control but also in investing in people and communities to empower them to change their lives.”

Acting country director US CDC Nigeria, Suzanne Theroux highlighted progress made through evidence-based public health programming, emphasising the importance of an initiative called “Getting the Data Right.” This programme is designed to accurately assess the number of people on antiretroviral treatment and validate Nigeria’s treatment coverage data, supporting the long-term goal of sustainable health outcomes.

Theroux also commended Nigeria’s resilience in responding to recent outbreaks of diseases like Lassa fever, cholera and Mpox, which underscored the country’s commitment to health security. She noted collaborative efforts to address zero-dose children and innovations aimed at eradicating malaria in Nigeria, adding, “Our collective resilience and resolve are instrumental in achieving optimal health for all Nigerians.”

The US CDC uses these biannual meetings to adapt and refine programmes in line with the evolving health needs of Nigeria, with the next engagement scheduled for April 2025.