NACA adopts new technology for HIV screening

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has adopted a new technology for HIV screening.

NACA Assistant Director, Community Prevention and Care Services, Dr Yewande Olafa, disclosed this while speaking with the Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Saturday.

Olafa said the new technology was that of a non-blood based test kit, designed to promote privacy and confidence among users.

She said that the screening kit was oral-based with simplicity, accuracy and fastness in ascertaining one’s HIV status.

“It is in line with the commemoration of World Aids Day with the title, “Community Makes the Difference,” in which we are engaging the community to help in the reduction of HIV spread,” Olafa said.

She urged Nigerians to embrace the new technology for HIV screening, saying that HIV detection was not the end of life.

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”If you are positive with Oraquick, don’t conclude yet, go for confirmation in a nearby hospital facility,” she said.

The NACA Assistant Director restated the readiness of the agency to continue to reduce HIV infection through testing and awareness creation.

Also speaking, Ms Rhoda Ajibola, expressed satisfaction with the oral test kit which according to her was portable and efficient.

Ajibola, who said that the kit would help reduce stigma, noted that it was very effective and qualitative in testing HIV and commended NACA for the initiative.

NAN reports that the Oraquick Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test had been utilised internationally for over 15 years, and it was a brand trusted by patients and practitioners alike.

The new test kit was showcased at Apo Mechanic Village, Abuja, as part of efforts by NACA to reduce the spread of HIV in Nigeria. (NAN)