Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has appealed to Nigerians to overcome their fear of HIV testing, describing it as a crucial step in the fight against the disease.

Mrs Soludo, who is also Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, made the call 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 to end AIDS by 2030.

The theme for the 2025 event is: “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”

Mrs Soludo said routine HIV testing remained vital for early detection and effective management of the virus.

She said, “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 stressed that everyone had a role to play in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS, urging Nigerians to say “yes” to action and personal responsibility.

Mrs Soludo emphasised the need for compassion and support for people living with HIV, noting 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 was neither a punishment nor a death sentence, encouraging affected individuals to lead productive, meaningful lives.

Mrs Soludo also advised Nigerians to exercise caution, avoid risky behaviours, and adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.

 (NAN)