Executive Director, HACEY, Rhoda Robinson, speaking during the Marathon registration, emphasised the importance of ensuring people are aware that HIV/AIDS still exists, is preventable and manageable.
She noted that the first step to ending the scourge of HIV/AIDS is for people to know their status, thus the need to embark on the campaign offering free HIV/AIDS test and counselling for citizens.
Programme lead, HACEY, Bamidele Oyewumi, said the marathon will enable them reach more young people in Lagos and equip them on preventing HIV/AIDS which is currently prevalent among youths between 19 to 35 years.
He emphasised the need for everyone to know their status to access the right care.
”For this year, we are collaborating with Access Bank to provide and implement free HIV screening for the runners. One of our major goals is to ensure that one-third of them know their status.
”The theme of this year’s race is ”Run to End HIV” because, according to available statistics, HIV/AIDS is growing rapidly among young people because of their increasing sexual activities.
Indian, Vishal Raj, who has been in Nigeria for nine years, and has participated in the race for four years, said the Marathon enables him see the beauty of Lagos
On preparations for the race,said he runs daily to sharpen his skills adding that wining is not the goal but participation.
Supply chain professional, Chidinma Anosike, who has been participating in the Access Bank Marathon for four years now, said the decision to run aligns with her fitness goals to achieve a great work-life balanced.
