The community Support and Development Initiatives (CSADI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community-led HIV interventions in Kano, as the organisation – alongside the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) recognised 15 individuals and institutions for their long-standing contributions to the HIV response in the state.
Speaking with newsmen in Kano on Sunday, CSADI’s Excutive Director , Hajiya Zainab Ahmed Suleiman (MFR, JP), said the awards reflect the organisation’s 25-year journey of working closely with government agencies, health institutions and community actors to improve the lives of people living with HIV.
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She noted that the recipients – among them the Director General of the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA), Dr. Usman Bashir, officials of the state Primary Health Care Board, and community partners- were selected based on their consistent support in areas such as awareness creation, stigma reduction and community mobilisation.
“For over two decades, CSADI has collaborated with individuals and institutions who have stood firmly with us,” she said.
“Some of them we trained, some we empowered, and many have worked hand in hand with us to promote dignity and self-reliance among people living with HIV. This recognition is our way of appreciating their commitment.”
She particularly acknowledged early supporters of CSADI’s work, including Dr. Laa and senior officials of the state Primary Health Care Board, describing them as “pillars in the state’s HIV response.”
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The Chairman of NEPWHAN Kano, Comrade Nuhu Tela Gaya, said the recognition reflects the gratitude of people living with HIV across the state.
He emphasised that the contributions of KSACA, CSADI and the Primary Health Care Board have brought hope to thousands of affected individuals.
“Through skills training, financial support and medical assistance, we have continued to uplift our members,” he said. “The support from these partners will remain impactful for years.”
In his response, the KSACA Director General, Dr. Usman Bashir, thanked CSADI and NEPWHAN for the honour, while stressing the need to expand access to HIV testing.
He revealed that over 4,000 people have tested positive for HIV in Kano between January and November, bringing the total number of known cases in the state to 42,000.
The data, he said, came from 43 testing sites spread across government, private and religious facilities.
“We are still not testing enough as a state or as a country,” he said.
Clockwisereports report that Dr. Bashir also commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for ensuring the availability of test kits and consumables, describing government support as crucial to sustaining progress.