The Civil Society for HIV/Aids in Nigeria CiSHAN embarked on a community sensitization to two major markets in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State to create awareness among women and girls that HIV/Aids testing is free.
The CiSHAN Micro Project implemented by Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics(FONWIP), Christabel Otueroro Foundation (COF) and Foundation of Builders (FB) were at the Oba market and Agbado market sensitizing the traders with the use of public address system.
The traders were told the dangers of using unsterilized sharp objects for barbing, manicure/pedicure e.t.c. and that HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence to those who have it,
According to the Non Governmental Organizations, NGO’s, “there are drugs that help the infected person to live a healthy and long life, It is very important to have the test periodically for those who are not infected at least to know their status.
During the sensitization exercise, the traders were also made to understand testing is free and they in turn asked questions on where they could go for testing,
The team told them to visit any Government Health Centers close to them as well as the office of FORUM OF NIGERIAN WOMEN IN POLITICS (FONWIP)45 Owina Street off Sokponba Road, and 34,Aruosa street off Sokponba Road and phone numbers of the three consortium partners were also released for them to call in case of counseling and other information’s.