The Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) has commemorated the 2023 World AIDS Day with a nationwide HIV testing and counselling services and an awareness campaign in underserved communities in Nigeria.
The World AIDS Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS globally. The theme for this year, “Let Communities Lead’’ was more than a celebration of the achievements of communities but a call to action to enable and support the life-saving works of communities.
This year, NiBUCAA implemented a series of initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. It launched #TogetherAgainstHIV Campaign across all social media platforms, encouraging individuals to stand united in the mission to end AIDS.
NiBUCAA further extended its outreach by embarking on a media tour in high HIV prevalent states to educate millions of Nigerians on the importance of regular testing to know their HIV status, and an awareness rally across NYSC camps to reach adolescent and young persons with HIV information.
In collaboration with the Nigeria Youth Network on HIV/AIDS (NYNETHA), NiBUCAA conducted free HIV testing and counselling services and reached 1,000 beneficiaries in select states across Nigeria.
The intervention, it said, aligned with the theme of World AIDS Day 2023 hinged on “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community.”
As part of our commitment to advocacy, NiBUCAA partnered with the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), for a novelty football match that brought together diverse communities and notable personalities, including government officials and community leaders.
The match served as a platform to encourage open conversations about the virus and promote the theme of community-driven efforts to end the epidemic.
Reflecting on the success of the interventions, the MD/CEO of NiBUCAA, Dr Jekwu Ozoemene, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that made the events possible.
“Our commitment to the World AIDS Day 2023 theme is a testament to our belief in the power of communities to effect positive change. Through these initiatives, we strive to contribute to the global goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
“NiBUCAA remained steadfast in its dedication to raising awareness, promoting testing, and supporting communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As we mark World AIDS Day 2023, we call on individuals, businesses, and communities to join us in this crucial endeavour,” Dr Ozoemene stated.