The Civil Society for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN) has encouraged students of tertiary institutions to go for HIV testing and promote awareness of the prevalence of the disease in Sokoto.

Muhammad Garba, the CISHAN coordinator in Sokoto, made the call at a sensitisation in commemoration of the 2024 World HIV/AIDs Day on Tuesday in Sokoto.

Mr Garba urged governments at all levels, civil society organisations, and stakeholders to scale up HIV testing and treatment services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

He stressed the importance of addressing social and economic determinants of health, including poverty, stigma, and discrimination, which exacerbated the HIV epidemic.

Mr Garba appealed to governments to ensure prompt approvals and release of funds and intensify efforts by media as well as community organisations for awareness.

According to him, students were targeted in view of their positions as future leaders and involvement in social activities.

He cautioned them on adhering to preventive measures for contracting the disease.

”When a person gets infected, it is not a death sentence. There is relevant therapy and support for persons living with the virus.

”The World AIDS Day is to remind people of the importance of access to HIV testing, prevention and treatment, as well as a bold action against inequalities.

”We also want to train the students on the challenges ahead and to make them adequately informed about global health issues,” he said.

(NAN)