Funke Akindele Named UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria
Nollywood star Funke Akindele has been appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS in Nigeria, a role aimed at bolstering awareness and advocacy in the fight against HIV. The announcement, made during a World AIDS Day event in Abuja, highlights Akindele’s influence and her previous involvement in public health campaigns.
Known for her blockbuster movies and social impact initiatives, Akindele first engaged with health advocacy in her role on the I Need to Know TV series, a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored show focusing on adolescent reproductive health and HIV. Over the years, her career has brought her widespread recognition as one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars.
While her appointment has been celebrated as a strategic move to draw attention to HIV-related issues, questions remain about the tangible impact of celebrity goodwill roles in addressing complex public health challenges. Nigeria, with around 2 million people living with HIV, has made significant progress in reducing new infections and improving treatment access, but stigma and unequal access to care persist.
Dr. Leopold Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director for Nigeria, expressed confidence in Akindele’s potential to influence public attitudes and policy conversations. “Her reach and commitment to social change make her a strong ally in combating HIV and supporting those affected,” he said.
Critics, however, note that similar appointments have sometimes resulted in high-profile campaigns that lack measurable outcomes. Public health experts stress the need for sustained action, particularly in rural areas where stigma and logistical barriers to treatment remain significant challenges.
Akindele’s appointment, which involved collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), reflects UNAIDS’ strategy to combine star power with policy efforts. Still, it will take more than awareness campaigns to achieve the ambitious goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
For her part, Akindele has promised to use her influence to advance HIV prevention and eliminate stigma. Whether her involvement will translate into meaningful progress remains to be seen, but her appointment has reignited discussions on the role of public figures in tackling public health crises.