The Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA) organized a Jummat service at the Ikot Ansa Mosque in Calabar on Friday, as part of activities marking the2025 World AIDS Day.
In his sermon, Imam Shileik Ahamed Etim Bassey focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, clarifying that the disease is neither a result of witchcraft nor a punishment from God. He reminded the congregation that Islam encourages seeking medical treatment.
The Imam educated attendees on the various modes of HIV transmission and emphasized the need to avoid stigma and discrimination against individuals living with the virus. He urged everyone to know their status by accessing HIV counseling and testing services at the Calabar Municipal ground during the Christmas village opening.
During an interactive session after the service, Dr. Charles Iwara, the Director General of CR-SACA, represented by Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Mr. John Ekpeni, stressed the importance of HIV prevention, particularly through proper condom use. He explained that this engagement was a strategic effort to promote awareness about HIV prevention and safe sex practices among the Muslim community in Calabar.
The DG demonstrated correct condom usage and distributed them free of charge, encouraging attendees to use them properly. He urged the community to prioritize family safety over cultural or religious misconceptions regarding HIV.
"The State Government is committed to achieving zero new infections by 2030. That's why we are here today to create awareness about prevention," he stated.
The agency's representative invited the Muslim community to participate in upcoming World AIDS Day events, including a Candlelight Memorial Service on Sunday at 5 PM and a World AIDS Day Awareness Walk on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Rabana Roundabout. He also encouraged them to visit the Wise-Up Calabar Festival pavilion at the Christmas Village for a wide range of healthcare services.
Nakanda Iyadim
