Only 45% Nigerians are aware of their HIV status

Kemi Gbadamosi, senior manager, communication of AHF, said Nigeria has the highest second burden of HIV, after South Africa, while Adetayo Towolawi, the organisation’s country programme manager, said 3.4 million people were living with the virus in the country.

He said achieving an AIDS-free generation was possible if more people knew their status, and those found positive placed on treatment.

AHF said it had flagged off a testing campaign aimed at reaching 15,000 Nigerians with free HIV test.

Towolawi said the campaign would be held in partnership with state and local government authorities with the target of realising the UNAIDS/AHF global goals on HIV/AIDS.

“The HIV testing campaign is part of the organisation’s robust prevention activities for the year and a strategic tool in ensuring that more Nigerians know their HIV status,” he said.

“As part of AHF Nigeria’s testing scale up plan, the testing campaign will target Abuja, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

“In addition to HIV testing, individuals will also have an opportunity to check their blood pressure, receive health and wellness talks among other services.

“In the country, relevant stakeholders and partners are scaling up testing uptake and AHF Nigeria is taking measures to consolidate these efforts and champion community-driven testing outreaches.”

Elizabeth Duile, the foundation’s prevention programme manager, said AHF was committed to ensuring the availability of HIV testing services in the country.

Duile said the campaign would provide a platform to educate individuals and communities.

“Ending AIDS starts with a commitment to act and everyone has a responsibility in stopping the spread of the virus,” he said.

“People are often reluctant to test for fear of the result and stigma; today there are mechanisms in place to check stigma and discrimination.

“This will ensure that people living with HIV have access to treatment, care and support.”