NACA targets 5,000 persons for test

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) says it is targeting a minimum of 5,000 persons for the HIV and AIDS tests nationwide.

Mr Garba Danjuma, an Assistant Director, Partnership Coordination at NACA, made this known at the launch of the four-day multi-disease medical outreach on Friday in Mangu, Plateau.

He said that NACA was working toward achieving zero HIV cases in the country as set out in the 2015 World AIDS Day target.

"We want Nigeria to be HIV free by 2020.''

Danjuma said that NACA was also conducting tests on other diseases such as Hepatitis B, High Blood Pressure and Malaria, adding thatdrugs would be distributed free to patients.

He said that the outreach team comprised 60 medical personnel, including 10 doctors.

According to him, Mangu was chosen to ensure that the rural populace have access to the facilities.

In his remarks, Mr Markus Koka, the Executive Director, Plateau Agency for the Control of Aids (PLACA), noted thatAIDS prevalence rate in the state had reduced from 7.8 per cent to 0.8 in 2015.

He enjoined residents of Mangu and adjoining areas to avail themselves of the opportunity to get tested, to boost the number of beneficiaries.

He also urged the state government to pay up the backlog of the counterpart fund for the HIV programmes.