A new technology for HIV screening has been adopted by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). Dr Yewande Olafa, NACA Assistant Director, Community Prevention and Care Services disclosed this in Abuja, on Saturday.
Olafa said the new technology was that of a non blood based test kit, designed to promote privacy and confidence among users, explaining that the screening kit was oral based with simplicity, accuracy and fastness in ascertaining one’s HIV status.
Said Olafa: “It is in line with commemoration of World Aids Day with the title, ‘Community makes the difference,’ in which we are engaging the community to help in reduction of HIV spread”.
She urged Nigerians to embrace the new technology for HIV screening, saying that HIV detection was not the end of life.
Said she: “If you are positive with oraquick, don’t conclude yet, go for confirmation in a nearby hospital facility”.
The NACA Assistant Director restated the readiness of the agency to continue to reduce HIV infection through testing and awareness creation.
Speaking also, Ms Rhoda Ajibola, expressed satisfaction with the oral test kit which according to her was portable and efficient. Saying that the kit would help reduce stigma, Ajibola noted that it was very effective and qualitative in testing HIV and commended NACA for the initiative.
Oraquick Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test had been utilised internationally for over 15 years, and it was a brand trusted by patients and practitioners alike. The new test kit was showcased at Apo Mechanic Village, Abuja, as part of efforts by NACA to reduce the spread of HIV in Nigeria.
