Lagos vows to tackle HIV, screens residents

T The Lagos State Government, through the AIDS Control Agency, has commenced free Human Immunodeficiency Virus screening and counselling services for exhibitors and attendees of the Y2024 Trade fair at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The Y2024 Trade fair, officially declared open by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, is scheduled for November 1 and 10, 2024, attracting exhibitors from within and outside the country.

A Saturday statement noted that 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 to the provision of sustainable healthcare delivery for residents, as the present administration 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 and seek medical care early if necessary.

He also encouraged all to adopt good health-seeking behaviour for the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

“The Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, said the free HIV screening initiative was part of efforts to promote public health, offering convenient access to HIV testing and support services in the state, adding that the state remained committed to improving access to health care services.

“She disclosed that the free screening and counselling exercise would run through the entire duration of the trade fair,” the statement said.

Animashaun averred that LSACA had been instrumental in coordinating HIV/AIDS control programmes in the state, noting that the state had intensified efforts in upscaling its Anti-Retroviral Therapy Programmes, public awareness and sensitisation programmes, free HIV testing and counselling, community outreach programmes and youth-focused programmes.

Animashaun stated further that the screening exercise would provide valuable resources and support for attendees and exhibitors regarding HIV awareness and prevention.

She added that the exercise would not only raise awareness about HIV but also encourage responsible practices to reduce community transmission of the virus.