The ministry of health said it is ready to launch and disseminate the operational guidelines for HIV self testing in Nigeria. Experts at the event which took place in Abuja, said the document hopes to set standards to encourage HIV self testing for Nigerians.
TVC’s Kemi Balogun reports that the launch and dissemination of the operational guidelines for HIV self testing may go a long way in aiding early detection.
With Nigeria having the second highest global burden of the deadly HIV virus, the launch of this guideline for self testing may just be the
right entry point to accessing HIV prevention or treatment services.
Nigeria’s ministry of health and partners are positive that with this document for self test kit, the burden and increasing number of deaths
from HIV and Aids will be reduced.
Experts present believe that this step will help in demystifying factors surrounding HIV and AIDS in Nigeria.
Since 2007 a series of tests and laboratory based evaluations have been conducted to find the suitable rapid test kits for Nigerians. These tests are still ongoing and this guideline is expected to put up standards that will encourage Nigerians to warm up to HIV self testing.
