The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed famous Nollywood actress and movie producer, Funke Akindele as its new National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria.
The appointment acknowledges Funke Akindele’s tireless efforts in the fight against HIV and her dedication to advocacy, awareness, and driving progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
With a career spanning over two decades, Funke Akindele has leveraged her platform to amplify social impact issues, influence positive change, and champion causes that matter.
As UNAIDS’ National Goodwill Ambassador, Funke is expected to contribute to efforts aimed at eliminating vertical transmission of HIV, ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and promoting HIV prevention across Nigeria.
According to UNAID’s statistics, “Nigeria has made significant strides in the fight against HIV over the past two decades. As of 2023, approximately 2 million people are living with HIV in the country, with an adult prevalence rate of 1.3% among individuals aged 15–49. Nigeria recorded approximately 130,000 new HIV infections in 2010. By 2023, this number had declined to about 75,000 new infections, representing a reduction of approximately 55,000 cases, or a 42.3% decrease over the 13-year period.
The country has also achieved notable progress in treatment access, with 1.6 million out of the 2 million people living with HIV in Nigeria currently on treatment”.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including addressing stigma and discrimination and ensuring equitable access to prevention and treatment services.
Funke Akindele’s appointment as National Goodwill Ambassador is a significant milestone in the fight against HIV in Nigeria.
The nomination process for the National Goodwill Ambassador involved active collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), which has expressed appreciation for UNAIDS’ role in securing such a significant partnership for Nigeria’s HIV response.
Her influence and commitment to social change will be instrumental in mobilising efforts for HIV prevention and ensuring that key messages reach wider audiences across the country.
The official announcement of Funke Akindele’s appointment was made during the World AIDS Day commemoration in Abuja.
The event was led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed M. Malick Fall.
UNAIDS Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Leopold Zekeng, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Funke Akindele as our National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria. Her powerful voice, vast influence, and commitment to social change make her an invaluable ally in our efforts to combat HIV and support people living with HIV in Nigeria.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with immense pride that we unveil an extraordinary partnership today. The globally celebrated actress, visionary filmmaker, and humanitarian, Funke Akindele, has officially been appointed as the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador and Advocate for HIV in Nigeria”, according to NACA on X.
Funke Akindele expressed her gratitude for the appointment, saying, “I am truly honoured to be given this opportunity to be the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador! I believe that together we can win the fight against HIV /AIDS in Nigeria by 2030 and in the world at large.”
