The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), in collaboration with His Royal Majesty, the Oloja of Epe land, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, the Arolugbade II, one of the Agency’s HIV Ambassadors, flagged off the continuous massive community HIV Testing Services (HTS) in Epe Local Government and its environs, especially the Hard-to-Reach areas.
Addressing the community members at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Monsurat Adeleke stated that the continuous massive community HIV Testing Services campaign across the State is one of the strategies LSACA is adopting in achieving the UNAIDS global zero new HIV infections by the year 2030, adding that community participation in HIV prevention is critical to stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS in the State.
Dr. Adeleke noted that an HIV positive person can be asymptomatic for a long time thus infecting others if not checked and treated early, stressing that being HIV positive person does not translate to death with appropriate management, as an infected person can live a productive life.
She explained that accessing the free HIV Testing Services (HTS) provided by the Lagos State Government will allow an individual to know his/her status early and take appropriate steps to prevent the transmission of HIV, just as it affords the individual an opportunity to stop the progression to AIDS, through necessary lifestyle modifications and change in health-seeking behaviour.
The Oba, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude to the State government for the initiative and urged the council of Chiefs and Baales, Market Men and Women, the Artisans, the Youths and other residents in the community to visit the Primary Healthcare Centre for HTS.
He also implored residents to help pass the knowledge acquired during the event to other members of their communities who were unavoidably absent from the event.
Responding on behalf of the residents of Epe LGA, the Executive Chairman of the Council, Mr. Adedoyin Adesanya thanked the Kabiyesi, Oba Ishola Animashaun for mobilising the people for the programme and the Lagos State Government for prioritising the health of the citizens in the area through the laudable programme.
The event included a demonstration of the use of oral test kits distributed to participants.
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