HIV infection rates are falling in Nigeria, judging by the experiences of our volunteer teams when they visit local churches.

The teams are finding that virtually all the people they test are free of HIV and AIDS. Those who are HIV positive usually know their status and come forward for testing so they can join a Grace & Light life sharing group in their church and receive ongoing counselling and support.

An exception in July was two young women from one congregation who did not know they were HIV positive. Subsequently, they persuaded their boyfriends to visit the Jos office for testing and now all four are on antiretroviral medication and receiving support via life sharing.

“We are encouraged that infection rates are falling and that stigma is disappearing so people are open to being tested, sharing their status and changing lifestyles so they do not pass the infection on to others,” said international coordinator Tassie Ghata.

Four teams – Jos, Yola, Bauchi and Michika – were active in July. Between them they visited seven churches and shared the gospel and social righteousness with 1,335 people. Of these, 271 rededicated themselves to God and 68 made a first commitment.

During these visits 1,335 people chose to be tested for HIV and 575 (43%) chose to join life sharing groups. 14 people tested positive (1%).