SOSACAT, in Conjunction with SMOHCSO, holds 2021 World AIDS Day in UDUS

Abdulazeez Rahmah Tinuke Reports,

Sokoto State Agency For the Control of HIV, SOSCAT, in collaboration with the State Ministry Of Health and Civil Society Organization, held her annual World AIDS Day (WAD) on Wednesday, 1st of December 2021, at the IBB Center, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto main campus.

The programme, graced by high-profile personnel from the Sokoto state ministry of health, the Anti-AIDS and Rotaract Clubs, UDUS, and other students, was to enlighten the students on HIV/AIDS, emphasizing why they should check their HIV/AIDS status regularly.

"Everyone here in the world really has to know what their HIV/AIDS status is, as if this is being careful of, it will reduce the chances of risks, thereby also lowering the vulnerability to these life-threatening viruses," they promised.

Every year, people around the globe celebrate World AIDS Day on the 1st of December to spread awareness about the disease. Their global theme of the movement reads "End inequalities, End AIDS, End pandemic", focused on driving mass enlightenment about HIV/AIDS and their appropriate precautions.

A mother of the day, Hajia Hajarah Muhammad, during her speech, assured the audience that the testing kits passed quality assurance tests.

In her words, "Now that we have tested the kits, we are then closer to eradicating AIDS in Sokoto".

A guest advised the youth to be careful of sexual activities as they account for most cases of HIV/AIDS in society, saying that HIV/AIDS are contracted faster through sex.

"The issue of HIV/AIDS is not about class or personality. The youth are the target. The youth are sexually active and are those mostly exposed to sex, so you all need to be careful," he advised.

The organizers made HIV/AIDS test kits available for students to know their HIV status. Many students turned up for the tests and got their results almost instantly. The team also entertained questions from the students and addressed them appropriately, urging those present to inform others to visit the IBB Centre for testing during their leisure time. Other social activities took place during the event of SMOHCSO at the IBB Centre, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto main campus, in celebration of their world's AIDS day. These activities included stage-dance performance, music, games and debate.