The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed renowned actress, movie producer, and director Funke Akindele as its new National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria.
Akindele’s appointment as UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria was officially announced on 3 December 2024, during the World AIDS Day commemoration in Abuja.
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.”
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.
This prestigious nomination acknowledges Funke Akindele’s dedication to advocacy and awareness and will be pivotal in ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Akindele’s role as ambassador
As UNAIDS’ National Goodwill Ambassador, the filmmaker will 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. Nigeria recorded approximately 130,000 new HIV infections in 2010, but in 2023, this number had declined to about 75,000. 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.
With her influence and commitment to social change, Funke Akindele’s appointment will be instrumental in mobilising efforts for HIV prevention and ensuring that key messages reach wider audiences across Nigeria.
