By Eghosa Emily
In line with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s tradition of marking the world AIDS Day on December I, each year, the Edo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EDOSACA) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, the Network of People living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and HIV/AIDS programs’ implementing partners have organized a road walk to sensitize and raise awareness about the virus as well as strategies for its prevention.
Speaking at the event, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, EDOSACA, Mr. Oguta Imoagene Amidu, said the theme “Equalize to end Aids” means there is a call globally that everybody has access to HIV treatment and prevention irrespective of race, tribe, nationality, gender or sexual orientation.
According to him, the campaign is an avenue to remind everyone of the reality that HIV and AIDS are still in existence and also to re-emphasize the traditional preventive measures which includes abstinence, protection and faithfulness.
The road walk was a huge success as it caught the attention of a lot of people including motorists, pedestrians and owners of other businesses in the area.
The event is one of the activities slated for the 3-day campaign that earlier took place between 25th and 27th November, to mark the 2022 World AIDS Day.
The Road walk which took off from the premises of EDOSACA at Block D in the Secretariat Complex, Sapele Road, Benin City, progressed to the surrounding roads where participants sensitized people in the area by sharing pamphlets, fliers and word of mouth enlightenment on the dangers of having unprotected sex.
The highpoint of the road walk was the sharing of condoms to people to prevent further spread of the disease.
Some of the respondents applauded the initiative and implored the Government to sustain it.
