The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed plans to offer free HIV counselling and testing as a part of actions marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, with a give attention to group engagement and collective motion.
This was confirmed by an announcement by Mrs Bola Ajao, Particular Assistant to the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Well being Companies and Surroundings Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, on Thursday.
The Secretariat assured that this 12 months’s commemoration with the theme: “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response”, will likely be open, inclusive and participatory.
Ajao stated a significant spotlight of the programme will likely be a one-day high-level symposium scheduled for two December 2025 in Abuja, bringing collectively policymakers, well being staff, growth companions, individuals dwelling with HIV/AIDS, and group members.
World AIDS Day, noticed yearly on December 1, raises consciousness about HIV/AIDS, promotes world solidarity, and evaluations progress in combating the epidemic.
In accordance with the Director of Public Well being, Dr Dan Gadzama, the Mandate Secretary has directed the Secretariat to align with world efforts to extend consciousness and curb the unfold of HIV/AIDS.
“The symposium will convey collectively policymakers, well being staff, growth companions, individuals dwelling with HIV/AIDS, and group members. The occasion goals to evaluate progress to date, share sensible data, and chart new methods to strengthen HIV response within the FCT. Stakeholders are anticipated to talk with one voice and work collectively towards supporting affected individuals and bettering providers,” the assertion added.
Talking on the importance of the day, the State Programme Coordinator for HIV/AIDS, STIs and Viral Hepatitis, Dr Fatima Daggash, famous that December 1 is devoted to honouring those that have died of AIDS-related diseases, acknowledging achieved milestones, and renewing dedication to ending the illness.
She added that as a part of the commemoration, “free HIV counselling and testing will likely be provided, alongside group sensitisation actions to encourage early detection, guarantee linkage to care, maintain viral suppression, and scale back stigma throughout communities.”
The FCTA urged residents to take part actively and reap the benefits of the free well being providers, stressing that early testing and open conversations stay important steps towards ending HIV/AIDS within the nation’s capital.
