The National Agency for the Control of AIDS has called for inclusive and supportive workplaces for everyone, including people living with or affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Disclosing this in a statement issued on Thursday in commemoration of the 2025 International Workers’ Day, the NACA Director-General, Dr Temitope Ilori, said, “We must ensure that HIV is never a barrier to employment, dignity, or opportunity.”
Data obtained from NACA showed that out of the over two million people living with HIV in Nigeria, 1,753,425 of them know their HIV status. This includes 1,693,457 adults — 579,209 males and 1,114,401 females — and 54,983 children aged 0–14.
Meanwhile, access to treatment has expanded significantly, with 1,735,808 PLHIV currently on antiretroviral therapy. This includes 1,690,057 adults — 577,632 males and 1,112,425 females — and 45,751 children aged 0-14 who accessed ART.
Out of those on treatment, 1,160,256 individuals were tested for viral suppression, and 1,112,339 were confirmed to have a suppressed viral load. This group includes 1,083,177 adults — 363,531 males and 719,645 females — and 29,162 children.
The statement read, “As the world marks International Workers’ Day, we honour the contributions of workers everywhere and reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive, supportive workplaces for all, including those living with or affected by HIV.
“Workplaces are more than sites of labour; they are communities. On this day, we call on employers, unions, and government bodies to champion HIV awareness, education, and zero-discrimination policies in the workplace. With almost two million people living with HIV in Nigeria, many are part of our workforce, contributing every day while facing the double burden of health challenges and societal stigma.
“As we build a fair and safe work environment, let us remember that health rights are human rights. Together, we can create a world where every worker, regardless of their HIV status, is treated with respect, fairness, and care.”
