United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) appoints artist Funke Akindele as National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria – Africa.com
The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is pleased to announce the appointment of award-winning actress, film producer and director Funke Akindele as its new National Goodwill Ambassador (GWA) for Nigeria . This prestigious nomination recognizes Funke Akindele’s outstanding contribution to the fight against HIV and her commitment to advocacy, raising awareness and advancing efforts to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 promise.
Funke Akindele’s career took off with role in TV series sponsored by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) “I need to know”which focuses on adolescent reproductive health and rights, including HIV. Since then, she has captivated audiences around the world, earning millions of fans and acclaim for her unforgettable roles. Dubbed Nollywood’s “Box Office Queen”, Fink ranks in the top three on the list of highest-grossing Nollywood movies of all time, reflecting her prominence and influence in the industry.
Over the past two decades, Funke Akindele has continued to break barriers, using her platform to amplify social impact issues, affect positive change, and advocate for important causes. As the National Goodwill Ambassador of UNAIDS, she will contribute to eliminating vertical transmission of HIV, ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and promoting HIV prevention efforts across Nigeria.
Nigeria has made significant progress 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 infection rate of 1.3% among those aged 15-49 years. In 2010, there were approximately 130,000 new HIV infections in Nigeria. By 2023, this number had fallen to approximately 75,000 new infections, representing a reduction of approximately 55,000 cases over the 13-year period, or a 42.3% reduction. . The country has also made significant progress in access to treatment, with 1.6 million of the 2 million people living with HIV in Nigeria currently receiving treatment.
Despite this progress, challenges remain, including addressing stigma and discrimination and ensuring equitable access to prevention and treatment services in all areas.
“We are delighted to welcome Funke Akindele as Nigeria’s National Goodwill Ambassador,” said Dr. Leopold Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director for Nigeria. “She has a strong voice, tremendous influence and commitment to social change. “
The nomination process for the National Goodwill Ambassador involved active collaboration with the National AIDS Control Agency (NACA), which expressed its appreciation for the role played by UNAIDS in ensuring such an important partnership in Nigeria’s HIV response. Funke Akindele’s work as a National Goodwill Ambassador is crucial in mobilizing HIV prevention efforts and ensuring key messages reach a wider audience across the country.
On December 3, 2024, during the commemoration of World AIDS Day in Abuja, Mr. Mohammed M. Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, chaired an event to officially announce Funk Akindele has been appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador of UNAIDS.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the United Nations Program on AIDS (UNAIDS).
