Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has urged Nigerians to overcome their fear of HIV testing, describing it as a crucial step in the fight against the disease.
Dr. Soludo, who is also the Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, made the appeal on Monday in Awka during the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration.
World AIDS Day is observed annually to promote sustained political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights-focused strategies aimed at ending AIDS by 2030. The theme for 2025 is “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
Mrs. Soludo said routine HIV testing is vital for early detection and effective management of the virus.
“Beating the phobia surrounding HIV testing must be a priority. Early detection, like with other illnesses, helps manage the disease and ensures continued health and well-being,” she said.
She stressed that everyone has a role to play in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS, urging Nigerians to say “yes” to action and personal responsibility.
The First Lady emphasized the need for compassion and support for people living with HIV, noting that they should not face stigma, discrimination, or exclusion in any part of society.
“People living with HIV are humans like you and I. They deserve dignity, respect, and protection, whether at home, school, work, places of worship, or in the community,” she said.
She further highlighted that living with HIV is neither a punishment nor a death sentence, encouraging affected individuals to lead productive and meaningful lives.
Mrs. Soludo also advised Nigerians to exercise caution, avoid risky behaviors, and adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.
