NAN
No fewer than 3,000 Osun residents are to benefit from the Federal Government free Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B test.
Dr Olubunmi Ayinde, the South-West Coordinator, Nigeria AIDs Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), disclosed this while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo.
Ayinde said that NAIIS officials would visit 102 selected communities across the 30 Local Government Areas in the state to sensitise them on the need to know their health status.
READ ALSO INEC to upgrade ICT systems for 2019 elections – Official
She said that NAIIS would help government to know the number of people living with HIV and Hepatitis B and C in the states and the country at large.
Ayinde, who noted that the test would start on Oct. 29, urged residents to cooperate with NAIIS officials, who would be moving from door to door to collect blood sample.
“The essence of the test is for individuals to know their HIV status in the comfort zone of their home.
“They should never think that the blood is for ritual purpose and information provided will be free, voluntary and confidential.
“And anyone, who tests positive, would immediately be linked to support, care and treatment, ensuring they live long and healthier lives.
“The household members who will participate in NAIIS will know their HIV, hepatitis B and C status.
“NAIIS participants are also encouraged to take advantage of the referrals in case they test positive for HIV, hepatitis B or C.’’
Ayinde added that the Federal Government and the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA) with the support of implementing partners would be conducting NAIIS across the 36 states and the FCT.