In commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day, the Nigeria Police Medical Services, in collaboration with stakeholders in the medical sector, on Sunday, embarked on a week-long medical outreach to sensitize and educate FCT residents and members of the public on HIV/AIDS transmission, management and treatment.
Medical professionals used the outreach to offer free HIV screening, diabetes screening and vital checks to police personnel, their families and FCT residents.
Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Police Reference Hospital in Utako, Abuja, a physiotherapist at the Nigeria Police Force Medical Office, CSP Muhammad Awal Yahaya, emphasized the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, saying the force has centres where Nigerians can get treated at zero cost.
He said: “Today is World AIDS Day and we are doing a campaign on HIV. AIDS was discovered in 1980 and is caused by the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV). By 1988, December 1 was approved to be a day to commemorate AIDS and also enlighten people on what it is all about.
“The immediate need is knowing one’s status. HIV is not only contacted through sex. There’s maternal to foetal transmission. Some parents may unknowingly transmit the virus to their loved ones. Nigerians are encouraged to take advantage of the free services to come and know their HIV status.
“We intend to achieve that by incorporating all stakeholders, such as the media. We implore you to spread the message to the general public. We have DOT centers even in Area 1. We have DOT centers where you come and get treated at zero cost.
“What we are doing here today is awareness, sensitization and support in every aspect. The exercise will run from December 1 to 6, with free HIV/AIDS tests, screening and other checks available to the public. The medical outreach program is part of a nationwide celebration, with over 140 police hospitals participating.”
Also speaking, Active Team Doctor for the exercise, Dr. Danbatta Hidaya, explained that being HIV positive is not the end of the world as patients can still live normal lives.
“When the immune system is overwhelmed, it will die and then HIV turns to AIDS. HIV/AIDS can be contacted through various means, including body fluids, pregnant women and breastfeeding.
“Being HIV positive is not the end of the world. It is still possible to get married and have children. It is possible for you to continue in your marriage, if already married, without transferring the virus to your partner or to your children,” she said.
