(DDM) – The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has urged Nigerians to overcome the widespread fear of HIV testing, stressing that early diagnosis remains one of the most powerful tools in ending the spread of the virus.
Diaspora Digital Media DDM gathered that the governor’s wife made the appeal in Awka during the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration, an annual global event dedicated to reinforcing political will, sustaining international cooperation and promoting rights-based strategies to eliminate AIDS by 2030.
The 2025 theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” highlights the urgent need for stronger community involvement, public education and improved access to healthcare services in Nigeria and across the world.
Dr. Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, emphasized that routine HIV testing is a life-saving decision.
She explained that people must break the stigma and anxiety associated with knowing their status to enable early treatment and prevent further transmission.
She noted that early detection, just as with other medical conditions, increases the chances of effective management and long-term health stability.
She insisted that embracing testing is not only an act of personal responsibility but also a contribution to national health security.
She urged Nigerians to say “yes” to action, awareness and consistent health checks as part of a collective fight against HIV and AIDS.
Dr. Soludo also used the event to advocate for kindness and acceptance towards people living with HIV, stressing that they should never be subjected to discrimination or treated as outcasts in society.
She maintained that individuals living with the virus deserve dignity, respect and equal protection whether in schools, workplaces, religious institutions or their communities.
She reminded the public that being HIV-positive is neither a punishment nor a death sentence, adding that many Nigerians living with the virus are productive, educated and active contributors to the nation’s development.
She encouraged affected individuals to live meaningful lives, adhere to treatment and seek supportive environments that promote mental and emotional well-being.
Background reports show that Nigeria remains one of the countries with a significant HIV burden, although progress has been recorded in treatment expansion, prevention awareness and mother-to-child transmission reduction.
However, experts warn that fear, stigma and misinformation continue to hinder nationwide testing efforts, limiting early detection among high-risk and low-risk groups.
Public health researchers say that without aggressive testing and community-based sensitisation, Nigeria risks slowing down the progress made in the last decade.
Dr. Soludo further advised Nigerians to be more cautious, avoid risky behaviours and prioritise preventive practices such as safe sex, regular medical checkups and open discussions about sexual health.
She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and strengthening community-led interventions to reduce HIV spread across Anambra State and beyond.