Mozuk, Dev’t Partners Take HIV Awareness Campaign, Self-Testing To Abuja Varsity

Mozuk Mediequip, in collaboration with development partners, has launched an HIV awareness campaign at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), targeting adolescents and young adults.

The initiative, called “OraQuick Campus Storm”, was organised in partnership with the University of Abuja’s Student Union Government (SUG), Orasure Technologies, JSI Research and Training Institute, and Heartland Alliance.

In Nigeria, HIV prevalence among adolescents aged 15–19 is estimated at 2.9 per cent while the rate among young people aged 20–24 is as high as 32 per cent. Additionally, 34.1 per cent of new HIV infections in the country occur in this age group. Despite this, testing for HIV remains low among adolescents and young people (AYP), largely due to barriers such as the unfriendly attitude of healthcare providers, fear of test results being disclosed, and the associated stigma and discrimination.

The OraQuick Campus Storm aims to promote HIV self-testing among AYP in Nigeria, offering accurate information on prevention and control. It also seeks to raise awareness and demand for HIV prevention and mental health services available at healthcare facilities, including clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and online platforms.

During the event, the Product Manager for Mozuk Mediequip, Pharmacist Harry Omoakhia, highlighted the importance of awareness in preventing new infections. He stressed that knowing one’s HIV status through testing is crucial: “Once you test and know your status, you can take appropriate action. If you’re positive, you can begin treatment, live a normal life, and reduce your viral load, eventually preventing further transmission.”

Omoakhia also noted that many young people are hesitant to undergo traditional testing in hospitals or clinics due to fear of judgment. Self-testing, he said, provides an additional option, allowing individuals to test privately at home.

He added that HIVST kits are available in community pharmacies, health facilities, and related stores. The campaign has also been rolled out at other universities across Nigeria, including the University of Lagos, the Federal University Otuoke, and several tertiary institutions.

Omoakhia acknowledged that stigma remains a significant challenge, as many people still avoid discussing HIV openly, deterring them from getting tested.

The University of Abuja SUG President, Comrade Mohammed Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to the organisers for bringing the programme to the campus.

A student, Abubakar Sadiq, shared that before attending the event, he had limited knowledge about HIV, but now he understands what the virus is and how it is transmitted.