NACA, NEMA Partner to Integrate HIV Prevention in Disaster Response

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The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have pledged to deepen collaboration and integrate HIV prevention and treatment interventions into Nigeria’s emergency and disaster response systems.

This commitment followed a courtesy visit by NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, to NEMA headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where both agencies explored partnership opportunities aimed at improving humanitarian response and ensuring that vulnerable groups — including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) — have continuous access to HIV services during crises.

A statement released by NACA on Friday said the meeting marked a new phase of cooperation between disaster management and public health institutions, with both agencies reaffirming their commitment to protecting the health and resilience of at-risk communities.

Dr. Ilori commended NEMA for its vital role in coordinating national emergency responses, stressing that integrating HIV prevention and treatment into disaster frameworks was critical to addressing health needs during emergencies.

“There is a need to ensure that IDPs and other vulnerable populations have access to HIV prevention tools, testing services, and treatment during crises,”
— Dr. Temitope Ilori, DG NACA.

In her remarks, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that both agencies share the goal of building resilient communities through coordinated interventions.

“NEMA and NACA share a common goal of coordination — while NEMA manages disaster response, NACA coordinates the national HIV response. Synergy between both agencies is essential for building community resilience,”
— Mrs. Zubaida Umar, DG NEMA.

Umar observed that HIV considerations are often overlooked during health assessments in IDP camps and called for the integration of testing, care, and prevention measures in such settings while ensuring confidentiality and reducing stigma.

She also highlighted the importance of access to preventive tools and medications, especially in long-term IDP settlements where adult cohabitation increases the risk of HIV transmission.

The renewed partnership between NACA and NEMA is expected to enhance Nigeria’s ability to respond to humanitarian crises while ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.