Tina Amanda
In its efforts to achieving an HIV free generation, Rivers state government has launched an HIV Oral Self Test Kit.
It says it will promote a society devoid of stigma and discrimination.
Governor Nyesom Wike disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2018 World Aids Day celebration, at the Diete Spiff Civic Center, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Know your Status”
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Princewill Chike, he urged the public to be advocates of HIV preventing behaviours in their communities while calling on policymakers to promote a health for all agenda for HIV and other related health services such as tuberculosis, hepatitis and communicable diseases.
‘’achieving an HIV free generation is a task this administration is very passionate about, we will pursue the target relentlessly through teamwork and engagement of all sectors of the society.
“The government of Rivers state will remain resolute in supporting improvements in the quality of life for people living with HIV and promote a society devoid of stigma.
“the control program will be piloting HIV self-tests among pregnant women which we have just launched. It’s customized for Rivers state with the help of his Excellency Governor Wike.
“people should avoid risky sexual behaviours, abstinence is best for young people, people should know their HIV status, blood sugar level, weight and blood pressure level, the public should support the state government and government in general in their effort to achieve universal health coverage for our people.”
On his part, Managing Director Betok BIO-Tech, Adetonye Adewunmi, said that the HIV oral self-test kit promotes privacy and reduces stigmatization, adding that its safe to use.
‘’There are lots of free HIV testing around the country and most persons don’t actually take part in the free testing due to stigma and privacy issues, that is what gave rise to the need to breach the gap and provide a solution.
‘’We have invested so much in technology to bring about HIV Oral Self Test kit to Nigeria, it has been evaluated, approved and endorsed by the federal ministry of health.
“Self-test kits are quite safe, have zero infection risks, no sharps in it, no needle, no blood is required for the testing, it promotes privacy”
