UNFPA’s Mabingue Ngom on curbing HIV prevalence in SSA

The battle against HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa faces new challenges as the number of new infections is on the rise, marking a step back in the efforts to curb the virus on the continent. Mabingue Ngom, the Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), joined CNBC Africa to discuss the pressing need for better prevention strategies and greater access to information and services for young people in the region. Ngom emphasized that despite progress made in the past two decades, the youth population affected by HIV continues to grow, fueled by high population growth and ongoing crises across Africa. One key theme that emerged from Ngom's insights is the critical importance of access to information and prevention services for young people. Ngom highlighted the need to improve outreach efforts and deploy new technologies to reach a wider audience effectively. While traditional prevention methods like condom use have been effective, Ngom stressed the significance of adapting to new technologies and scaling up interventions to achieve better results in reducing infection rates globally. Another crucial point raised in the interview was the necessity of inclusion and focused interventions for key populations, such as transgender individuals and the LGBTQ community. Ngom underscored the need for stronger engagement with parliamentarians and religious leaders to create a supportive environment for these vulnerable groups and accelerate progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. By learning from successful programs in countries like Botswana and Rwanda, Ngom advocates for replicating effective strategies and enhancing leadership at all levels to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and combat the HIV epidemic. Reflecting on his experience at the ICASA conference, Ngom emphasized the need for a concerted effort to prioritize young people, individuals with disabilities, and leadership across various sectors. He called for a united front through strong partnerships to address the HIV threat comprehensively. Ngom warned that without intensified mobilization from countries, the international community, and global stakeholders, achieving the desired demographic dividend in Africa by 2063 would be at risk if HIV continues to impact the youth population negatively. In conclusion, Ngom's call to action resonates with the urgency of the situation in Sub-Saharan Africa and the imperative for all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to curb HIV prevalence in the region. By prioritizing prevention, enhancing leadership, and fostering inclusive strategies, there is hope for a future where HIV no longer poses a significant threat to the health and prosperity of African nations.