The Network of People Living With HIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has sought the provision of more HIV and malaria testing kits in healthcare centres across Sokoto State.

The NEPWHAN programme officer, Yahaya Sanusi, made the call during a media engagement on the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Community System Strengthening (C19RM and CSS) grant on Saturday in Sokoto.

Mr Sanusi described the shortages as dangerous in view of the importance of knowing the HIV status of pregnant women in order to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the disease.

He mentioned the most desirable areas to include: Bodinga, Shagari, Sokoto North, Dange Shuni and Gwadabawa local government areas.

Mr Sanusi expressed concern that some of the facilities also experienced frequent stock-outs of malaria testing kits and drugs.

He added that there was poor documentation by health workers in the five areas.

He, therefore, appealed to the government and other concerned authorities to ensure that health facilities in the state were adequately equipped with testing facilities and drugs.

The programme officer, who doubled as the C19RM and CSS coordinator in the state, commending the state government on the recent recruitment of health workers, suggested frequent refresher training for health workers.

He said that the project had conducted renovations of health facilities in some of the communities across the state. 

(NAN)