Dep gov restates commitment to fight against HIV

•Trade Fair participants get free screening, counselling services

The Lagos State government through the AIDS Control Agency on Friday commenced free HIV screening and counselling services for exhibitors and attendees of the 2024 Trade Fair at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The 2024 Trade Fair, which was officially declared open by the Deputy Governor, Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, will hold from November 1 to 10, 2024, has attracted exhibitors from within and outside the country.

Hamzat, who inspected the stand of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency at the Lagos pavilion, commended the dedication of the agency in the fight against the spread of HIV in the state.

He emphasised the commitment of the state government in the provision of a sustainable healthcare delivery for its residents, saying the state recognises the significance of maintaining good health for greater productivity.

The deputy governor, however, urged all participants to take advantage of the free screening to know their HIV status so as to seek medical care early enough when necessary. He, however, encouraged all to adopt a good health seeking behaviour for the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, said that the free HIV screening initiative is part of efforts to promote public health and offer convenient access to HIV testing and support services in the state.

Animashuan stated that the state remains committed to improving access to health care services, adding that the free screening and counselling exercise will run through the entire duration of the trade fair.

Animashaun explained further that the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has been instrumental in coordinating HIV/AIDS control programmes in the state, stressing that the state has intensified efforts in upscaling its Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Programmes, Public Awareness and Sensitisation programmes, Free HIV Testing and Counselling, Community Outreach Programmes, Youth-Focused Programmes and has also invested in research and data collection for a better understanding of the trends and demographics of HIV/AIDS in the state.

Animashaun explained further that the screening exercise will provide valuable resources and support for attendees and exhibitors regarding HIV awareness and prevention, adding that the exercise will not only raise awareness about HIV but also encourage responsible practices to reduce community transmission of the virus.

She emphasised the state’s unwavering commitment to improving access to healthcare services highlighting the importance of increased awareness campaigns and the expansion of HIV testing and counselling centres across the state as the state is dedicated to curbing the spread of the virus and ensuring that all residents have access to the necessary resources for prevention, testing and treatment.

While encouraging all participants at the trade fair to take advantage of the free screening exercise, she advised all residents to take responsibility for their health and well-being as getting tested for HIV is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and productive life.

“We must all take responsibility for our health and well being, and getting tested for HIV is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and productive life. I urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and prioritise their health. I like to take this opportunity to encourage all participants to take advantage of the free screening exercise being offered,” she said.