FCT Administration offers free HIV counselling and testing for World AIDS Day 2025, promoting awareness, early detection, and community participation
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to provide free HIV counselling and testing as part of activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, emphasising community engagement and collective action.
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The announcement was made on Thursday by Mrs Bola Ajao, Special Assistant to the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe.
The Secretariat said this year’s commemoration—under the theme “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response”—will be open, inclusive, and participatory.
A major highlight is a one-day high-level symposium scheduled for December 2, 2025, in Abuja, which will bring together policymakers, health workers, development partners, people living with HIV/AIDS, and community members.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, raises awareness about HIV/AIDS, promotes global solidarity, and reviews progress in combating the epidemic.
It also provides a platform to strengthen commitment toward eliminating HIV and ensuring universal access to treatment.
Dr Dan Gadzama, Director of Public Health, said the Mandate Secretary has directed the Secretariat to align with global efforts to increase awareness and curb the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“The symposium will assess progress, share practical knowledge, and chart new strategies to strengthen HIV response in the FCT,” he stated.
Dr Fatima Daggash, State Programme Coordinator for HIV/AIDS, STIs, and Viral Hepatitis, highlighted the significance of the day in honouring those who have died of AIDS-related illnesses and renewing commitment to ending the disease.
She explained that free HIV counselling and testing will be offered alongside community sensitisation activities to encourage early detection, ensure linkage to care, sustain viral suppression, and reduce stigma.
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“The FCTA urges residents to participate actively and take advantage of the free health services, stressing that early testing and open conversations remain essential steps toward ending HIV/AIDS in the nation’s capital,” Dr Daggash added.
