HIV Self-Testing Kits Should Be Available For All Nigerians – FG

The National Coordinator, National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STI Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun has come out to say that Nigeria should be moving towards epidemic control of HIV/AIDS by 2023.

He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, there is a clear need for self-tests so that every citizen can know their status once and for all.

He added that the HIV self-testing kits will help in the quick identification of an individual’s HIV status, therefore they are very important.

His words, “The HIV self-test does not need a facility. One needs only the test kits and just like pregnancy kits, it shows if it is positive or negative.”

“It also helps you to quickly identify your health status and also be linked to care. So, you come for me once you test yourself, who is self-testing.”

“This programme is more of a feasibility study on how it can be used in Nigeria. We are already using it, and we need to expand it.”

“The test kits are affordable and highly subsidised. A lot of them are even free but the idea is to see how it can be over the counter.”

“Nigeria has increased its treatment coverage and we have been able to push out condoms as a preventive measure.”

“In the last 30 years, the government has done a lot of treatment for HIV/ AIDS and escalated awareness.”

“By 2030, Nigeria should be moving towards a form of epidemic control.”