LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)-In commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day, the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA), has offered over 1000 Ikorodu residents free HIV/AIDS testing and screening.
The NGO held this year’s event themed, “Take the right path: My health, my right!,” at Ikorodu Motor Garage in Lagos state, to intensify its fight against the disease. It was attended by both beneficiaries, advocacy groups, and medical personnel who described the awareness as impactful and timely.
During the event, the attending members of NiBUCAA, stated that the objective of the coalition is to totally annihilate the disease by 2030, they therefore, appealed for financial support to aid the fight against the spread of the disease and its total eradication from the country.
The group noted that lack of funding stalled progress, but with it sensitization programs particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and women, would be executed with focus on prevention, testing, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
The NGO agreed that they were “working towards the goal of zero HIV infections urging governments and donors to fully support grassroots communities that are leading the fight to end HIV/AIDS.”
They recommended that all stakeholders including, government agencies, private sector partners, and international donors, contribute a portion of their budget to fund HIV projects, and insisted that the government promote grassroots awareness on the prevention and treatment options of the disease while, bolstering policies that would increase healthcare access to those living with the disease.
READ ALSO: How HIV-positive Pregnant Women Can Have Vaginal Delivery – NACA
Speaking about the challenges, the group revealed that as long as stigma and discrimination on the disease remained, progress will remain at a snail pace. Therefore, they pushed for awareness programs in local communities that will provide the vulnerable and the embarrassed the courage to seek testing and treatment without fear of judgment and also clear misconceptions on the disease among other members of the society.
Insisting with optimism on their target year by 2030, the group reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the right partners in generating resources and proffering sustainable solutions to end the epidemic.
Speaking at the event, Program and Situation Officer, Tosin Akinrinade, praised the profound help received from international partners such as the United States Government and the Global Fund. He enjoined government and private stakeholders to promote schemes aimed at preventing HIV transmission among adults and minors.
Additionally, the Spokesperson for the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria, Nkechi Omojafor, in her address said, “Together, we must confront the inequalities that hinder our journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals target of ending AIDS,”
“In our journey to end AIDS by 2030, we recognize the critical roles of policymakers, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and our development partners. Together, we must sustain this momentum and prioritize the health of future generations.”
During the event, the Admin officer, Akorode Ogundimineaha, reiterated that the NGO’s campaign opened up access to the Ikorodu community.
“These efforts are also key for reaching global targets towards ensuring 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of diagnosed persons receive antiretroviral treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment have suppressed viral loads,” he noted.
