We went on the streets and asked Nigerians what they know about #WorldAIDSDay
In a bid to know how much citizens know about their rights to health as enshrined in the United Nations’ Charter, and how much they know about HIV/AIDS and the World’s AIDS Day, HealthNewsNG spoke to a few respondents.
Our first respondent, Mr Olapade Oluwatosin is ignorant of the existence of such declaration as the Right to Healthcare and lamented that he has never enjoyed any element of the declaration when this writer explained it to him.
About his HIV/AIDS status, Mr Olapade said: “I am negative. I have protected intercourse even with multiple partners”. He also did not have any plan to organize or participate in any World AIDS Day event.
Our second respondent, Mr Olajide Emmanuel said he was not aware of a day like the World AIDS Day. When asked by this writer whether he knew what his rights in healthcare are, he said: “he could really elucidate but related to the theme of the day as “the struggles of an average Nigerian.” Mr Olajide also revealed that though he does not currently live with HIV/AIDS, he perfectly understands the plights of those who do and will never isolate himself from them nor stigmatize them.
Miss Olanikawo Ruth, an SSS3 student of Victop College, our third respondent was also not aware of the World AIDS Day.She however, demonstrated a fair knowledge of her rights to health as including tight to information, good healthcare etc.
When asked about her HIV status, Miss Olanikawo said: “I have not been tested but I am sure I am not positive”. She promised to organize a small event about the World AIDS day among her peers in school
Our last respondent, Mr Onaolapo Samuel believes it is his right to live healthily as a citizen of Nigeria. He equally demonstrated a knowledge of the other rights and the World’s AIDS day.
When asked about what he will do if he contacted HIV/AIDS, he fired: “God forbid! I will feel sad and take the news with good strides and start using drugs that will make me lead a normal life.