The Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) said it partnered Access Holdings Plc to provide free HIV testing services and counseling, at the just concluded Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, as part of its “No Gree for HIV” campaign for February, 2024.
The coalition said over 10,000 persons were screened for HIV aside receiving counseling across eight selected communities – Surulere, Ijora, Ajegunle, Igando, Lagos Island, Lekki Phase 1, Berger/Ojota, Apapa Road and the finish line of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon- Eko Atlantic.
According to NiBUCAA’s Programmes and Evaluation Officer, Tosin Akinrinade, the screening activities led to the discovery of 14 new cases, while some patients were actively noted as receiving treatment and support.
Akinrinade added that 13,000 condoms and 5000 informational materials were distributed, further contributing to HIV prevention and safety efforts in the region.
Collaborations with the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria (HTFN), Nigeria Youth Network on HIV/AIDS (NYNETHA), Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), and Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) expanded the campaign’s outreach, promoting HIV containment, vital practices for health management, and safe sex practices through the distribution of condoms and informational materials.
He said: “We are always proud to partner with Access Holdings to drive HIV/AIDS awareness and testing across the country. Access Holdings remains in the forefront of integrating sustainability; the delivery of social, economic, and environmental value in its business philosophy, and NiBUCAA is proud to be part of these efforts.”
A resident of Iponri community, Mr. Gbefun, was very excited to be a recipient of the free screening services, counseling, and condom distribution. “This is the first time I am being tested for HIV in the 45 years plus of my existence” he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to access such essential services within his community.
Akinrinade said NiBUCAA remains committed to serve as a vehicle for Nigeria’s private sector to channel and deploy resources to support the National HIV/AIDS response and calls on more businesses, individuals and associations to stand together, lend their voice, support, and passion to this vital cause.
