In a bid to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Adamawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), organized a one-day sensitization and free testing program for tertiary institution students in Yola.
The event, held at the College for Legal Studies, aimed to educate young people about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and provide them with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their health.
The provost of the college, Barrister Suleiman Ahamed, expressed gratitude to the ministry for choosing the institution and emphasized the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness in helping young people stay negative and live positive.
The commissioner of youths and sports, Bar. Wali Yakubu, represented by the Director of Youths, Mr. Mike Ngula, reiterated the state government’s commitment to youth development and partnering with organizations to achieve this goal.
He noted that the state governor has invested significantly in youth development, including the construction of a stadium, but emphasized that this development can only be achieved if the youths stay healthy.
Executive Director of Today 4 Tomorrow, Miss Abei Bassey, representing UNPF, explained that tertiary institutions were targeted because of the higher HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among youths in this demographic.
She expressed optimism that the awareness created through the program would empower participants to take control of their destinies and make informed choices about their lives.
Over 300 participants attended the program, which included free HIV testing and counseling services. The event aimed to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people in Adamawa State and promote healthy lifestyles among tertiary institution students.
