Today is National HIV Testing Day. National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) celebrates the day on every 27th of June to create awareness and educate people about HIV. It aims to sensitise most at risk for HIV infection on places to get HIV testing services and link those positive to care and support available to them.
According to The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu, the 2022 National HIV Testing Day’s theme is “HIV Testing is Self-care”.
“People can live long and healthy lives with early detection of HIV and proper treatment and care.
“HIV testing is free and confidential in all government hospitals. To locate HIV testing center closest to you, call HIV Toll free no 6222 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday. HIV self-tests is also available and can be done at people’s convenience.
“We can end and prevent the spread of HIV if we know our HIV status. Testing is the gateway to HIV services,” said Dr Gambo Aliyu.
As part of the activities to mark the day, National Agency for the Control of AIDS organised a robust discussion on Twitter spaces on the topic ‘Should couples get tested for HIV before getting into relationships’ on Sunday to educate young Nigerians on the benefit of HIV testing.