Group Tasks Nigerians on Regular Testing to Combat HIV/AIDS Scourge

A non-governmental and advocacy organisation, Brothers Across Nigeria (BAN), has harped on the need for regular testing as an effective measure to combat the HIV and AIDS scourge in Nigeria.

BAN stated this during its Health Walk, which was recently held in Abuja with the aim to create awareness on the need for Nigerians to do a regular test to know their HIV status.

The Northern Zone Coordinator of the group, Mr. Adewale Odusanya, while speaking at the event, said regular testing would enable Nigerians to know their status and consequently reduce the disease burden on the country.

According to him, knowing ones status will make him/her aware of the options available on how to live with the disease if positive and how to prevent it if negative.

He, however, expressed concern that despite the popularity of HIV globally, many people are still not aware of the importance of regular testing, adding that regrettably, little effort is being shown in that regards.

Odusanya said this informed the Health Walk organised by BAN, which was supported by MTN Nigeria and Aids Health Foundation (AHF).

He explained that: “This Health Walk is to sensitise the people and create awareness of the dangers of HIV/AIDS in the society and the need for regular testing.

“HIV is a disease that we are all susceptible to, so, we decided to support the government because it cannot do it alone.”

Odusanya further stated that BAN has recorded huge successes in its campaign against HIV and its scourge, adding that not less than 2,000 people have been given free HIV testing, while some others have been provided with counseling services.

Also in his remark, the Chairman of BAN Sport Committee, Mr. Obinna Duru, disclosed that free HIV testing would be provided for all Nigerians resident in Abuja.