In commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day, HSCL state offices Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi in collaboration with the State Ministries of Health and other stakeholders in HIV programming engaged in series of activities to mark the 2024 World AIDS Day.
In Sokoto State, the team embarked on a road walk to create awareness on HIV prevention and management. The 2 Kilometre Walk which started from the Epidemiology Unit of the Specialist Hospital Sokoto and terminated at the premises of the Ministry of Health at the State Secretariat Complex, also had other organizations intervening in HIV/AIDS in the state in attendance. These include Society for Family Health, ProHealth International, and UNFPA. Also in attendance were the Sokoto SACA and NEPWHAN among others.
In his goodwill message, the HSCL ACE 3 State team Lead, Dr. Dahiru Belo encouraged people to embrace the free HIV counselling and testing services being provided by HSCL and other sister organizations in the state, adding that HIV is not a death sentence and there are quality healthcare services available for people living with the virus to help them lead healthy lives.
Highlights of the event included the handing over of some food items donated by the state Ministry of Health to the Network of People Living with HIV (NEPWHAN) in the state.
Similarly, apart from an awareness creation rally which culminated at the palace of the Emir, the HSCL Kebbi team featured on live radio and TV shows alongside representatives from SACA, NEPWHAN, Clinical Mentors and other IPs in the State to discuss HIV prevention and management, as well as create awareness on healthcare services available for people living with HIV in the state.
The Zamfara State field office was not left out in the 2024 World AIDS Day activities. The HSCL team joined the state Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in a massive HIV awareness road walk aimed at raising awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment in the state. Participants held placards and banners to educate the masses about the importance of HIV prevention, testing, and available healthcare services for people living with HIV in the state.
Following the road walk, stakeholders and dignitaries gathered at the Emir's Palace where they were addressed by dignitaries and experts in HIV programming.
Highlights of the event includes free HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Malaria, and Blood sugar testing. This initiative helped to promote HIV testing and early treatment, which is critical in preventing the spread of the disease.
