The Wife of 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.
Soludo, Founder of Healthy Living Initiative, made the call on Monday in Awka, in a statement to commemorate the 2025 World AIDS Day.
She said routine HIV testing remained vital for early detection and effective management of the virus.
“Beating that phobia for HIV tests is something you must prioritise.
“Like most sicknesses, detecting HIV infection early enough can help greatly in managing the disease and, most importantly, guaranteeing your continued existence.
“Whatever should be done to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS must really start with us. Let us say yes to action,” she said
Soludo emphasised the need for compassion and support for people living with HIV.
She stressed that they should not be subjected to stigma or discrimination.
“People living with HIV are humans like you and I. Nothing makes them less deserving of dignity or respect.
“We all have a responsibility to protect and accommodate them, whether at home, in school, at work, in worship centres or elsewhere,” she said.
She added that living with HIV was neither ‘an unfortunate incarceration nor a death sentence’.
She also advised Nigerians to remain cautious and avoid behaviours that could lead to transmission.
“The key word here is caution,” she said
