The Fulani family breathed a collective sigh of relief when the last of the children being screened for "the dreaded disease" (as HIV is often known in this part of the world) showed a non-reactive test.

It was a warm, humid, sunny morning in the Nigerian bush. Every so often, a gentle cooling breeze would rustle the leaves and bring some refreshment to the staff and volunteers of the Spring of Life Centre, Egbe who were working in the shade of some trees at the semi-Nomadic Fulani camp at Akata, about six kilometers outside of Egbe.

We arrived at the camp at 8:30 in the morning, and spent some time attending to the necessary courtesies - greeting the chief and his elders, introducing ourselves, and obtaining the permission to conduct a health education talk focussing on HIV and AIDS and its prevention.

Teaching and Testing

After the whole camp had gathered, we started to share about HIV and AIDS—how it is transmitted, and how they could minimize the risk of transmission. They listened attentively, and later remarked that no one had bothered to take the time to explain these things to them.

After answering their questions, we asked the chief if we could begin voluntary testing. This was when silence suddenly set in. A brief flash of concern showed on their faces. The chief rose up, motioned for his elders to follow him, whereupon they disappeared into a nearby hut for a long time.

We glanced at each other, and quietly gathered in twos or threes to pray. Half an hour of waiting and praying passed before the chief and his men re-appeared, announcing that we could proceed. Gladly, we unpacked the various items we would use and set up to counsel and test to those who came forward to "find out their status."

This is a typical village outreach for the volunteers at the Spring of Life Centre, Egbe. Working in partnership with the churches and the ECWA Hospital of Egbe, the Centre presently provides voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS and home-based care for the infected.

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