NAN-HG-7
HIV
Calabar, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has said that its outing in the “Wise up Cross River campaign’’ for free HIV testing during the Calabar Carnival dry run was successful.
Its Youth Programme Officer and Coordinator of the campaign, Dr Idowu Araoyimbo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Monday that the response was impressive.
“Even though it was our first outing, it was successful as many people turned up for free testing and counseling.
“There was really an impressive turn out and we know this will improve with time.
“Our volunteers did well by creating much awareness through their dances and other side performances.
“We believe that as we go into the Carnival proper from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, we will realise our target of 100,000 or more,’’ he said.
Araoyimbo said agency had secured a place at the festival village and would begin the construction of its stand in the `Condom zone’’.
“At the condom zone stand, we have a lot of daily activities lined up to lighten up the carnival and draw attention of people to come forward for the free testing and counseling,’’ he said.
The officer said that many non-governmental organisations were collaborating with the UNFPA, including Mediatrix Foundation initiated by the wife of the state governor, Dr Lynda Ayade. (NAN)
BEN/HS/MVO
(Edited by Halima Sheji/Mbadiwe Okwor)