The Katsina State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KATSACA) has begun preparations for the 2026 World AIDS Day celebration.
The agency, under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Dr Bala Nuhu Kankia, popularly known as Sadaukin Kankia, held a stakeholders’ meeting involving organisations working to combat HIV/AIDS and relevant government agencies.
The meeting took place at the conference hall of Alhujrat Royal Suites in GRA, Katsina, to discuss plans for the 2026 World AIDS Day and explore ways to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders in the fight against the disease.
The United Nations has designated December 1, 2026, as World AIDS Day, observed globally to honour people living with HIV/AIDS and raise public awareness about the disease.
The day is set aside to remember people living with HIV, promote care and support, reduce discrimination, and encourage greater efforts to prevent the spread of the disease within communities.
It also provides an opportunity to strengthen the efforts of government agencies and organisations working towards ending AIDS as a major public health threat by 2030.
Some of the activities planned for the celebration include a special awareness walk, public enlightenment campaigns through media platforms, and engagement with journalists.
The agency has also planned media discussions with journalists to promote accurate information about HIV/AIDS, its prevention methods, and the importance of HIV testing.
Another key activity is the provision of free HIV testing services to enable members of the public to know their HIV status and receive appropriate health advice.
Through these activities, KATSACA aims to strengthen cooperation among government agencies, organisations and other stakeholders, while promoting public awareness, supporting people living with HIV and intensifying efforts to prevent the spread of the disease in Katsina State.
