Borno govt conducts screening in liberated communities

The Borno Government on Thursday said that it had inaugurated HIV/AIDS screening for individuals, under its Status Assessment programme, in liberated communities in seven Local Government Areas of the state.

Malam Barkindo Saidu, the Executive Secretary, Borno Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, disclosed this while visiting Malam Babakura Jatau, the Sole Administrator of the state Radio/Television Authority in Maiduguri.

Saidu explained that the object was to determine the status of the individuals in the communities as well as provide counselling where necessary.

He said the Local Government Areas are Monguno, Bama, Gwoza, Damboa, Kala-Balge, Kaga and Dikwa.

Saidu said that the agency had also conducted need assessment requirements in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri and Jere area councils, as well as provided counselling services where necessary.

“We have began screening of persons for HIV/AIDS in liberated communities in seven local governments areas comprising Monguno, Bama, Gwoza, Damboa, Kala-Balge, Kaga and Dikwa. The exercise is under our Status Assessment programme.

“We also provided counselling for individuals after the screening especially to those that have tested positive. Those in need of medications and further tests have also been referred accordingly," he said.

He said that the agency was working on plans to start a new enlightenment campaign against the spread of the disease in the state.

Saidu solicited for the support of the station towards achieving its aim.

Responding, Jatau thanked the executive secretary for the visit and promised to collaborate with the agency in the campaign against the spread of the disease.