FUE Zaria Hosts HIV/AIDS Health Awareness Symposium as Prof. Balarabe Advocates Preventive Healthcare

The Federal University of Education, FUE, Zaria, has called for increased preventive healthcare and healthy living to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Suleiman Balarabe, made the call on Tuesday while representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, at the opening of the “Health Horizons: HIV/AIDS and Health Awareness Symposium.” The event was organised by the University’s Community Wellness and Counseling Hub in collaboration with the Kaduna State Agency for the Control of AIDS, KASACA, and the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority, KADCHMA. It was held at the Suleiman Balarabe Senate Chamber, FUE, Zaria.

Prof. Balarabe commended the Community Wellness and Counseling Hub, led by Dr. Bilkisu Bashir Aliyu, for the timely initiative. He urged students to abstain from illicit sexual relationships, noting that major religions prohibit fornication and adultery. He also encouraged staff and the public to adopt healthy lifestyles and undergo regular medical screening.

The Overseer of KASACA, Dr. Bugawa Nuhu Butawa, described the symposium as timely, revealing that over 300 new HIV infections were recorded in Kaduna State in June alone. He attributed the increase to inadequate awareness and poor health-seeking behaviour, and stressed that early diagnosis, treatment, and abstinence from risky behaviour remain critical to prevention.

The Medical Director of FUE Zaria, Dr. Abdullateef Yahaya, described the symposium as both an academic engagement and a practical public health intervention. He urged students and young people to avoid unprotected sexual activities and embrace regular HIV testing.

Representing KADCHMA, Malam Ibrahim Allimi Muhammad highlighted the Authority’s provision of free healthcare to over 100,000 vulnerable persons across Kaduna State.

In lead presentations, resource persons addressed key health issues. Dr. Adam Muhammad of Dagama School of Health explained the difference between HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission, and Nigeria’s HIV history. Dr. Zakari Maryam of the National Public Health Institute, NPHI, SAYE, Zaria, stressed sustained awareness, testing, and treatment, while dispelling myths about HIV transmission.

Dr. Bonire Oluwasanmi also of NPHI sensitised participants on tuberculosis, noting that diagnosis and treatment are free in Nigeria. Dr. Celestine Ilo spoke on prostate health, while Dr. Maryam Ibrahim discussed hepatitis A to E, its transmission, and the need for screening and vaccination.

In her vote of thanks, Dr. Bilkisu Bashir Aliyu appreciated the University Management, partner agencies, speakers, and participants for their contributions to the symposium’s success.

The event had in attendance members of the University Management, deans, directors, HODs, traditional and political leaders, youth groups, and students from various institutions.