In honour of the 2023 World AIDS Day, the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) held an awareness campaign in underprivileged communities throughout the country and provided free HIV testing and counselling services.
World AIDS Day is a yearly event aimed at increasing global awareness of HIV/AIDS. This year's theme, "Let Communities Lead," was a call to action to facilitate and support the life-saving efforts of communities rather than just a celebration of their accomplishments.
NiBUCAA launched several programs this year to improve Nigeria's efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. It started the #TogetherAgainstHIV Campaign on all social media channels, urging people to join forces in the fight to end AIDS.
To inform millions of Nigerians about the value of routine testing to determine one's HIV status, NiBUCAA expanded its outreach even further by organizing an awareness rally throughout NYSC camps and going on a media tour in states with high HIV prevalence.
NiBUCAA reached 1,000 beneficiaries in a few states throughout Nigeria by conducting free HIV testing and counselling services in partnership with the Nigeria Youth Network on HIV/AIDS (NYNETHA).
The intervention, according to the statement, focused on "Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community," in keeping with the theme of World AIDS Day in 2023.
In keeping with our advocacy mission, NiBUCAA organized a novelty football game with the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) that brought together prominent figures from various communities, including politicians and local leaders.
The game provided a forum for candid discussions about the virus and advanced the idea of neighbourhood-based initiatives to put an end to the pandemic.
The MD/CEO of NiBUCAA, Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, expressed appreciation for the teamwork that enabled the events while reflecting the effectiveness of the interventions.
“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.
