HIV/AIDS: Foundations embark on free test for Adamawa state teachers

Two organisations, Mujib Hope Foundation, in collaboration with Agaji Global Unity Foundation have started sensitisation and free HIV/ADS test for secondary school teachers in Yola.

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The Executive Director, Mujib Hope Foundation, Ms. Munirat Jibrin, said the aimed of the exercise is to increase awareness on HIV/AIDS, stop stigmatisation and help people to know their status.

She urged the teachers to understand that the test is confidential and those found positive should know that it is not the end of life but time for them to be in good health.

She added that, “If you are positive, go to Adamawa State Action Committee on HIV/AIDS to access anti retroviral drugs and it is free for you for life.

“We are also urging you to step down the knowledge acquired to your students to protect themselves, especially through the use of sharp objects, among others.”

According to her, the foundation is targetting four schools for the sensitisation and test, two in Yola-South and two in Yola-North, ahead of the annual World AIDS Day celebration on December 1.

On his part, Mr Kefas Handeke of the Agaji Global Unity Foundation, advised the teachers to understand that the test is important for them to know their status, and if positive, it would be managed successfully before it becomes worse.

He said that for those who are negative, there is three months window period for a second test to know their status.

According to him, it is a wrong perception that the virus is only contracted through sex, saying there are other ways of getting the virus.

Malam Hamidu Jidda, the Principal of GDSS Damare, thanked the foundations for selecting the school for the programme.

He urged them to double their efforts for people to get to know more about the virus, especially rural communities.