FCTA Offers Free HIV Counselling, Testing to Residents on World AIDS Day

As the world marks World AIDS Day 2025, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to provide free HIV counselling and testing to residents of Abuja, in a bid to strengthen the fight against the epidemic and promote early detection and treatment

According to officials from the FCTA Health Department, the initiative is part of a broader, community-focused strategy designed to enhance awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to HIV care and treatment services. Health workers, policymakers, development partners, and members of the public are expected to participate in the campaign, which will also feature a multi-stakeholder symposium aimed at reviewing progress made in the HIV response and identifying strategies for more effective interventions Free HIV testing and counselling are essential to ensure that residents can know their status and access treatment without fear or financial burden,” an FCTA health official said. “Our goal is not only to provide services during World AIDS Day but to create lasting awareness and encourage people to take proactive steps in preventing and managing HIV Globally, the 2025 World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”, calls on governments and communities to strengthen leadership, implement human-rights-centred approaches, and ensure that efforts to combat HIV are inclusive and sustainable. In Nigeria, approximately 1.9 million people are estimated to be living with HIV, highlighting the continued need for awareness campaigns, testing, and treatment services. The FCTA’s program will make HIV testing and counselling available in approved government health facilities across the territory. Health authorities stressed that these services are free and accessible to all, reinforcing the message that early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the spread of the virus. Experts also note that reducing stigma around HIV remains a critical component of any successful public health strategy. Many individuals avoid testing due to fear of discrimination or social rejection. By integrating community sensitisation programs with the free testing initiative, FCTA hopes to encourage more residents to participate and seek treatment when necessary. Development partners, including the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), are collaborating with FCTA to provide comprehensive services, such as HIV testing, laboratory diagnosis, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs. These collaborations are intended to ensure that individuals who test positive are effectively linked to care and supported throughout their treatment journey Health officials reiterated that while World AIDS Day offers a platform for heightened awareness, the fight against HIV requires continuous public engagement, education, and access to healthcare services throughout the year. They urged residents to take advantage of the free testing and counselling services, not only to safeguard their own health but also to contribute to broader community efforts aimed at reducing the prevalence of HIV. The FCTA’s initiative serves as a reminder that the battle against HIV is ongoing and that government, community, and individual efforts must work hand in hand to achieve an AIDS-free generation. Residents of Abuja are encouraged to visit participating health facilities, get tested, and take advantage of the counselling services available as part of this year’s World AIDS Day activities.