International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: NGO Seeks Improved Access to HIV Testing, Condoms By Joy Odigie

The Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) is seeking more access to information, commodities and activities that will help reduce HIV prevalence in the country.

Dr Bright Oniovokukor, South South Zonal Coordinator, CiSHAN, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Monday.

Oniovokukor said CiSHAN in collaboration with other NGOs recently celebrated the 2021 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial where the need to give more attention to HIV response was brought to the fore.

"It has been observed that information and activities that have to do with HIV awareness and sensitization have dropped drastically to a near zero level.

"This has created the impression among some persons that the impact of HIV is not as much as it used to be.

"Access to free HIV testing and commodities such as condoms have also dropped compared to how it used to be in previous years.

"This will affect correct and consistent use of condoms amongst other related behaviours".

He regretted that the age for sexual debut has also dropped as reports show that children now indulge in risky sexual behaviours due to unrestricted access to materials on social media.

"Paying attention to moral values should be encouraged at various locations including but not restricted to schools, religious gathering, market places etc.

"The concept of rewarding good morals, merit and other good virtues should be adequately encouraged in the society to reduce the spread of HIV".

He noted that there was an urgent need for all authorities, private, public, CSO and all stakeholders to revamp the attention given to HIV awareness and sensitization in a sustainable manner.

He also called for special measures to be put in place to check issues of HIV related stigma and discrimination in various settings. (NAN)

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