Organisations to Test, Counsel 1,000 Truck Drivers

Ugo Aliogo and Deborah Anuoluwapo
As part of the commitment of Total Energies Marketing Nigeria to contribute to the HIV response in Nigeria, the organization has partnered with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS(NiBUCAA) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), to test and counsel 1000 truck drivers and residents of the Apapa and Abule Ado communities in celebration of the World AIDS Day 2021 with the theme: “End Inequalities, End AIDS, End Pandemics.”

A statement made available to THISDAY said reports have revealed that truck drivers are among the high-risk population in Nigeria with a HIV prevalence of 2.4 per cent.

The statement also noted that the vulnerability of this population is intensified by their level of mobility within states and regions, multiple partners, and limited access to HIV information and treatment services.

The two-day event commenced with an opening ceremony, which had in attendance dignitaries such as, Mrs. Olubunmi Popoola-Mordi who represented the Managing Director of Total Energies Marketing Nigeria; Comrade Tayo Aboyeji, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG); representatives from the Apapa and Abule-Ado local governments and representatives from NiBUCAA.

In her opening remarks, the Managing Director, Total Energies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Dr. Samba Seye, who represented by Mrs. Olubunmi Popoola Mordi, said: “The Total Energies Marketing Nigeria Plc in partnership with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS, will continue to contribute significantly to the HIV response in Nigeria as it has done over the years through its HIV interventions in communities and at the workplace.”

He also encouraged stakeholders not to slow down in collective efforts to end HIV.
He expressed confidence that at the end of the exercise, the beneficiaries would be more informed about their HIV status and become HIV advocates at work and in their respective communities.

The statement remarked that the community mobilizers prepared the truck drivers and residents of the Apapa and Abule Ado communities for the HIV testing and counselling services through face-to-face sensitization and the distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on HIV/AIDS.

“About 3,500 people were reached with IEC materials on HIV/AIDS and 1,000 people were tested, all reactive cases were counselled and referred for further diagnosis, treatment, and care,” the statement noted.