By Esther Onyegbula

The Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA) on Thursday offered free HIV screenings to over 1,000 residents and traders in Ikorodu, Lagos, as part of activities commemorating World AIDS Day 2024.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness, encourage testing, and combat stigma surrounding HIV and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), particularly in underserved communities.

The event, held at Ikorodu Motor Garage, brought together medical personnel, advocacy groups, and beneficiaries, who lauded the effort as timely and impactful.

Emphasizing the significance of the campaign, the Senior Program and Evaluation Officer at NIBUCAA, Mr. Tosin Akinmade, said: “HIV is still very much in existence, and people need to protect themselves and their families. We are also working to stop the stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.”

Explaining the choice of Ikorodu Motor Garage as the venue, Akinmade noted the area’s dense population. “We believe coming to this community will make a significant impact. Awareness is key; when people are informed, they understand the importance of protecting themselves from HIV and AIDS.”

Appealing for increased government support in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Akinmade said: “Government intervention is crucial for prevention and awareness campaigns. With more funding and mass awareness efforts, we can achieve a greater impact and encourage more people to get tested.”

Stressing the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, the Fundraising and Marketing Manager at the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria/NIBUCAA, Nkechi Omodjafor, said: “HIV is not a death sentence. This program encourages people to get tested and know their status. After testing, participants receive condoms to promote safe sex practices.”

Urging residents to take responsibility for their sexual health, Omodjafor said: “Abstinence is ideal, but if not, use condoms and remain faithful to your partner. This simple practice can go a long way in preventing the spread of HIV.”

Sharing his experiences, one of the beneficiaries, Emmanuel Namsi, admitted that he had never used a condom but decided to participate in the screening.

According to him, “I’m celibate, but I wanted to confirm my status. This initiative is commendable because it helps people who can’t afford the test. However, more awareness is needed to reduce fear and stigma around HIV,” he added.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Taiwo, praised the initiative. “This free screening is for everyone’s benefit. Knowing your HIV status is essential, and I appreciate this program for making it accessible.”

Isaiah Bright echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the importance of testing. “Knowing your status is a good thing. HIV is not a death sentence; there are medications to manage it. People should take advantage of initiatives like this to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

The event marked a significant step in addressing the high prevalence of HIV in underserved areas like Ikorodu. NIBUCAA’s efforts not only provided free screenings but also educated participants on prevention methods and the importance of regular testing.

As World AIDS Day continues to highlight the global fight against the epidemic, initiatives like this underscore the critical role of awareness and accessible healthcare services in achieving a world free of HIV/AIDS.