The Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS  and the Anti-AIDS Club of the University of Lagos have educated 3,000 students on basic facts about Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other Sexually Transmitted Infections, prevention strategies, and care.

A statement by the groups said a total of 414 beneficiaries at UNILAG accessed free HIV testing services.

Titled, ‘Love is safe,’ it revealed that it was a movement by NiBUCAA towards fostering healthier relationships in communities by advocating for safe love practices, the use of condoms, and encouraging regular HIV/AIDS testing and counseling.

The statement added that the edition was carried out in two locations; Lagos (at the University of Lagos) and in Abuja (Kobi Community).

It read, “While in Abuja, about 17,000 residents of the Kobi Community, Guzape Extension, Abuja were sensitised, a total of 587 beneficiaries from the community accessed free HIV testing services, and four people who tested positive were appropriately referred for treatment and support.”

Senior Programs and Evaluation Officer, NiBUCAA Abuja, Opeyemi Yekini, noted that there was still palpable fear among young people, about knowing their HIV status.

“There is still a lot of fear circulating among young people on knowing their HIV status; however, with the appropriate level of sensitisation and assurance of ART integration, the fear will gradually ease off.”

“In addition to the free HIV screening services, NiBUCAAs’ ‘Love is Safe’ campaign also organised an Instagram challenge. Couples were invited to share beautiful photos of themselves with their partner, accompanied by captions expressing their commitment to safe love practices. “Omomii82 emerged as the winner of the challenge and will be treated to an all-expense-paid dinner with her partner on a weekend, courtesy of the NiBUCAA ‘Love is safe’ campaign.”