A Non-Governmental Organization, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria has sensitized journalists on how to self-test themselves in HIV/AIDS, Cervical Cancer, and other diseases.
Hajiya Amina Abdurraheem, the program officer of the NGO said the sensitization is in respect to the commemoration of World AIDS day which is been celebrated on 1st December of every year.
“We are creating awareness in respect of the theme for this year’s celebration of World AIDS day which is “End AIDS, END INEQUALITY”.
We discussed on self-testing kit in which one uses his saliva to test himself at the comfort of his/her home, this reduces the stress in getting to health facilities. She said.
Explaining further, hajiya Amina said the reason they chose journalists is because of the critical role they play in disseminating information, hence the need to involve them in their activities.
Speaking on cervical cancer, Mrs. Esther Zachariah explained the reason cancer is referred to as a deadly disease.
“It is a disease in which the cells of the body grow without control as they keep multiplying, this is why it is said to have no cure.”
She explained the need for women to undergo tests every five years as this will ensure their well-being.
She called on women especially the sexually active ones who are more prone to the diseases to always undergo tests every five years for cervical cancer and every three months for HIV/AIDS or self-testing using the kit.
Part of the services the NGO provides include healthy timing pregnant spacing, HIV/AIDS counseling and screening, cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening, and counseling alongside gender-based violence.
Some of the women journalists who participated in the workshop benefitted from both breast and cervical cancer screening while the men underwent the HIV/AIDS self-testing.
The program officer, however, called on the journalists who participated to ensure that their stories are well disseminated to the grass root as that will create more awareness for the rural persons.
