Vice-Chancellor, OAU, Prof. Idowu Omole
No fewer than 2500 athletes participating in the ongoing Nigerian University Games have been tested for HIV/AIDS. The competition is holding at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The test, which was jointly organised by about 10 groups, including UNICEF, was coordinated by National Action Committee Against AIDS through the weekend. The athletes were also given condoms to protect themselves during sex.
Coordinator of the programme, Moses Okpara, said that the test was to ensure that athletes were aware of the dangers of the disease.
He said, “It is part of the intervention aimed at reaching Nigerians with HIV/AIDS. We also counsel them at the spot of test. It is designed to reach at least 5000 athletes in the course of the NUGA Games here in OAU. This is an event that brings a lot of young people together across the country. In the last sporting event of this nature that was held in Lagos, we were able to reach over 9000 young people.
“The programme is key because young people are the most affected in this era of HIV/AIDS. There is a lot of uptake and awareness and they are working. Knowing their status is the best thing that can happen to them. When the athletes know their status, they will protect themselves.”
The athletes commended the organisers of the test, saying the counselling made them to realise the importance of being negative.
One of them from the University of Benin who pleaded anonymity said, “The programme is helpful and it has made me more aware about the disease. I have been tested and advised on how to manage my health to avoid contracting the disease.”
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