Buhari urges world leaders to wipe out HIV

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged world leaders to make HIV/AIDS history by 2030.

In his address at the 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Nigerian president pledged the support of his country towards the achievement of the millennium development goals.

He also lamented the high record of health challenges in Africa and appreciated the international community for its support in the quest to reverse the trend.

“We are on the threshold of history as world leaders adopt the successor development agenda to the Millennium Development Goals,” he said.

“For over 30 years, HIV as a public health challenge, has been causing havoc and untold hardship in virtually every part of the world. To date, several million children have been orphaned and some communities have been devastated, while economic activities have been disrupted.

“Unfortunately, Sub -Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate burden of this epidemic. The good news is that the effort of the global community has resulted in greater control, less spread and better management.

“What is required in our continued fight against HIV/AIDS is improved health delivery system, education, and cheaper production of anti – retroviral drugs through technology exchange. Our countries should also look at the whole field of medicare and strengthen our partnership with all stakeholders including the civil society, inter- faith and cultural bodies for education and dissemination of information at all levels.

“Nigeria will also like to call upon all pharmaceutical companies for more cooperation and understanding in reducing the cost of anti – retroviral drugs through production of generic items.

“Nigeria will continue to work with development partners and key stakeholders to strengthen the means of implementation of the SDGs as elaborated in the Post- 2015 development agenda.

“Let me express Nigeria’s sincere appreciation to UN-AIDS for the support and collaboration in organizing this event.

“I therefore encourage you to continue in your efforts to sustain the fight against infant and maternal deaths, HIV and AIDs, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other communicable diseases, high on the global development agenda.”