U.S. Mission to Nigeria Promotes World AIDS Day to Youth in Abuja through AIDS-Free Generation Rap Contest (November 30, 2012)

November 29, 2012

Winners of 2012 Rap Contest on HIV/AIDS Government Secondary School Gwarimpa, Abuja._Embassy Photo by Idika Onyukwu

NOVEMBER 28, ABUJA—In recognition of World AIDS Day, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria hosted a youth rap contest focusing on the theme of an “AIDS-Free Generation.” Students from 16 secondary schools in Abuja used HIV/AIDS educational information to create rap songs that express their understanding and enthusiasm for an “AIDS-Free Generation” in Nigeria. GSS Gwarimpa was named the winner of the contest. The event was supported by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Team in Nigeria, including USAID, U.S. Centers for Disease Control-Nigeria, and U.S. Department of Defense/Walter Reed. 

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence P. McCulley, served as a judge for the contest and spoke at the event. “World AIDS Day is a day to commemorate the millions of lives lost and families affected by HIV/AIDS. It also allows us to recognize the courageous individuals living with HIV who bear the burden of this disease every day,” he said. “As a tribute to these individuals, the U.S. will pursue the goal of an AIDS-free generation.” 

He added a special note to the participants: “For centuries, the youth have been a force to reckon with in the advancement of development. Your presence here today, underscores your determination to be a part of the movement for an AIDS-free generation.” 

Victor Ogbodo, Acting Chief of Party FHI360, C-Change Project, and Eze Ezekwesivi, Events Coordinator, Open-Mic Forum Nigeria, also served as judges. 

World AIDS Day is held on December 1 each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. The U.S. theme for 2012—“Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation”—  highlights the promise of new research and prevention efforts that help stop the spread of HIV. On November 29, 2012, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, commemorated World AIDS Day 2012 and unveiled the PEPFAR Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-free Generation that provides a roadmap for how the U.S. government will work to help achieve an AIDS-free generation. Read more about the Blueprint. 

Additional World AIDS Day Activities Supported by the U.S. Mission to Nigeria:

• November 30, 2012: Wear RED day. Mission employees, families, and partners wore red in support of World AIDS Day.
• November 30, 2012: Showing of “And the Band Played On” at the Rosa Parks Library in the U.S. Embassy to Nigeria (Abuja).
• December 1, 2012: Premiere of the movie “The Inside Story: The Science of HIV/AIDS” in Lagos, Nigeria at Silverbird Theater.

About HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Nigeria carries the second heaviest burden of HIV in Africa and has an expanding population of people living with HIV.

HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: Key Facts 2012

Source: UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, Country Progress Report, Nigeria, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, 2012.

The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has provided more than $2.5 billion U.S. dollars to fight HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2004, PEPFAR has achieved encouraging results and made significant contributions to Nigeria's HIV response including supporting life-saving anti-retroviral treatment for more than 488,000 Nigerians. Additionally, 4.2 million people have benefitted from community outreach programs and other HIV prevention interventions.