The Federal Capital Territory Administration has unveiled plans to provide complimentary HIV counseling and testing services as part of activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day celebration.
Comprehensive HIV Response Programme
In an official statement released on Thursday, Mrs Bola Ajao, Special Assistant to the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, confirmed the administration's commitment to broader community participation in this year's commemoration.
The 2025 observance, carrying the theme "Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria's HIV Response," will prioritize public engagement and shared responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A significant highlight of the programme includes a one-day symposium scheduled for December 2 in Abuja.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Awareness
Dr Dan Gadzama, Director of Public Health, revealed that the Mandate Secretary has directed the Secretariat to align its activities with global efforts to strengthen HIV awareness. "The symposium will bring together policymakers, health workers, development partners, people living with HIV/AIDS, and community members," he stated.
Dr Gadzama emphasized that the gathering would assess current progress and identify areas requiring coordinated action. "Stakeholders are expected to speak with one voice and work collectively toward supporting affected persons and improving services," he added.
Reflecting on Progress and Challenges
Dr Fatima Daggash, the State Programme Coordinator for HIV/AIDS, STIs and Viral Hepatitis, noted that World AIDS Day provides a crucial opportunity to reflect on losses, review interventions, and renew commitments to ending the disease.
She confirmed that the gathering would enable frank discussions about remaining gaps and necessary measures to address them. The Secretariat outlined that free HIV counseling and testing will be offered alongside community sensitization activities designed to encourage early detection, ensure linkage to care, sustain viral suppression, and reduce stigma across communities.
The FCTA is encouraging all residents to participate actively and utilize the health services provided, stressing that early testing remains critical to prevention and treatment efforts.
Oyo State Parallel Initiatives
In related developments, the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS has commenced its activities for the 2025 World AIDS Day, focusing on sustaining the state's HIV response amid concerns about funding, stigma, and continued vulnerability among young people.
During a press briefing in Ibadan, the Agency's Chairman, Dr Gbola Adetunji, reported that Oyo has maintained progress in testing, treatment, and prevention, but emphasized the need to maintain momentum. "Over the years, our healthcare workers, community leaders, and people living with HIV have worked tirelessly to improve testing, treatment, and prevention," he acknowledged.
Dr Adetunji highlighted the expansion of prevention programmes through education campaigns, condom distribution, and interventions targeting mother-to-child transmission prevention. Notably, the state has allocated 10,000 OYSHIA health-insurance slots specifically for people living with HIV as part of comprehensive efforts to improve access to care.
The chairman recognized support from partners including APIN, SFH, DFB, and various community-based organizations, while commending Governor Seyi Makinde for creating what he described as an enabling environment for HIV work in the state.
