The Federal Capital Territory Administration has announced free HIV counselling and testing as part of activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, with a call for stronger community participation in this year’s commemoration. Officials said the observance, themed “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” will focus on public engagement and shared responsibility.
In a statement by Mrs Bola Ajao, Special Assistant to the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Secretariat outlined plans for a one-day symposium in Abuja on 2 December. World AIDS Day, commemorated annually on 1 December, is used to review the national HIV response and renew commitments to prevention, treatment and care.
Director of Public Health, Dr Dan Gadzama, said the Mandate Secretary had directed that FCT activities align with global efforts to strengthen HIV awareness. He explained that the symposium will bring together policymakers, health workers, development partners, people living with HIV and community members to review progress and set new priorities.
According to him, the meeting will assess current achievements and highlight areas that require coordinated action. Stakeholders are expected to speak with one voice and work collectively to support affected persons and improve services across the territory.
State Programme Coordinator for HIV/AIDS, STIs and Viral Hepatitis, Dr Fatima Daggash, said World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to remember lives lost, review interventions and renew commitments to ending HIV. She noted that the gathering will allow frank discussions on remaining gaps and practical measures to close them.
The Secretariat added that free HIV counselling and testing will be provided alongside community sensitisation campaigns to promote early detection, ensure linkage to care, sustain viral suppression and reduce stigma. Residents were encouraged to participate fully and take advantage of services, with a reminder that early testing remains critical to prevention and effective treatment.
In Oyo State, the State Agency for the Control of AIDS has also started its 2025 World AIDS Day activities, focusing on sustaining the state’s HIV response amid funding concerns, stigma and persistent vulnerability among young people. At a press briefing in Ibadan, the Agency’s Chairman, Dr Gbola Adetunji, said Oyo has recorded steady gains in testing, treatment and prevention but warned that momentum must not slow.
He praised the efforts of healthcare workers, community leaders and people living with HIV who have worked over the years to improve access to services. Adetunji said prevention programmes have been expanded through education campaigns, condom distribution and interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
He also highlighted the allocation of 10,000 OYSHIA health insurance slots to people living with HIV as part of measures to improve access to care. The chairman acknowledged support from partners such as APIN, SFH, DFB and various community-based organisations, and commended Governor Seyi Makinde for providing an enabling environment for HIV response in the state
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