Gombe State Agency for the Control of AIDS, has expressed optimism to curb spread of Human Immuno Deficiency Virus, by testing no fewer than 100,000 in 2024.
According to the GomSACA, testing is the first step towards treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Our correspondent reports that the theme for 2023 is ‘Communities leadership to end AIDS by 2030.
Speaking during its commemoration of World AIDS Day on Thursday, the Project Manager of GomSACA, Hassan Dawaki, disclosed revealed that in spite the importance of the HIV test the rates of the test among high school students in the state are very low.
Dawaki said, “Without testing, HIV-positive individuals may not know their status and unknowingly transmit the virus to others,” Dawaki stated while appreciating the effort of the state government, the Centre for Integrated Health Programmes, and the Society for Family Health, as well as other implementing partners in support HIV response in the state.”
While stating the agency’s commitment in the coming year, Dawaki said “GomSACA wishes to request more test kits and consumables to enable us to test at least 100,000 people in 2024 out of the over 3 million people of the state. It will help us to intensify case finding in the community to enhance effective HIV/AIDS response in the state.”
Also speaking, the national Public Relations Officer of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, Mr Absolom Habila, disclosed that there is a need for state governments to develop better treatment and care packages for already identified cases to encourage volunteer testing.
He said, “How will people come out and get tested when those tested and identified to be HIV positive are not being properly cared for. The governments need to gear up in caring for people with HIV, this will help in encouraging more people to get tested and also minimise the spread of the virus.”
Declaring the event open, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Jatau, called on stakeholders to develop steps towards curbing the spread.
