Religious Leaders in Bauchi Urged to Promote HIV/AIDS Awareness

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

Religious leaders in Bauchi State have been sensitized on the need to include HIV/AIDS education and awareness in their weekly sermons.

The sensitization was done during a one-day workshop organized by the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA) and the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA).

Speaking at the Workshop
North-East Zonal Coordinator of NACA, Tobias John, stated that religious leaders must use the pulpit to talk about the virus without mincing words, considering its devastating effects.

He emphasized the importance of emphasizing the use of condoms as a means of prevention and encouraging members to get tested and commence treatment if necessary.

The workshop aimed to enhance the knowledge of religious leaders on HIV response in Nigeria, strengthen capacities for sermon preparation, and encourage leaders to support efforts to end AIDS by 2030.

The religious leaders commended NACA and BACATMA for organizing the workshop and pledged to create awareness among their members.