WORLD AIDS DAY: YOU CAN TEST YOUR HIV STATUS IN YOUR HOME—DR. EZEKWE

REPORTER: JOHN MADUAGWU

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark the 2022 World AIDS Day, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called for the removal of all impediments in combating the ailment.

The Zonal Coordinator of NACA in the South East, Dr. Miriam Ezekwe, made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria on this year’s event.

Dr. Ezekwe explained that the day was set aside to commemorate all those who were either infected, affected or impacted by the ailment and celebrate those who were still fighting to combat HIV/AIDS.

The health expert was happy that Nigeria was on the match towards epidemic control as more than 90% of those living with HIV in the country had already been found and were receiving treatment.

She noted that those in the South East, who were yet to ascertain their status, could do so in the comfort of their homes by getting or buying the kits to conduct the test on their own.

Speaking on the national team for the 2022 event, which is “Equalize to End AIDS,” Dr. Ezekwe identified inequalities as a critical factor that drives the epidemic and called for the removal of all legal, economic, educational, communication and gender based barriers which were preventing people from getting tested and being on treatment.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU