When Mrs. Hauwa Lawal decided to run medical tests on two nannies she had just employed, she did not expect what came next. Both women, she said, tested positive for HIV and, according to her, neither knew their status.
“I was shocked and honestly scared for my children,” Hauwa said.
“This made me realize that many of us bring people into our homes without really knowing their health condition. It is important we carry out proper checks before employment.”
Her experience has sparked renewed conversations about health screening for domestic workers, especially in households where nannies play close roles in childcare.
From Village to City: A Common Practice
Across Nigeria, it is common for families to source young women and girls from rural communities to work as domestic staff in urban centers like Abuja and Lagos. In many cases, these workers are recruited informally through relatives or agents, with little or no documentation.
Health experts note that a significant number of these workers do not undergo any form of medical screening before being placed in homes. This gap, they say, contributes to anxiety among employers and increases the risk of undetected health issues—though not necessarily in the way many assume.
Understanding the Real Risk
Medical professionals emphasize that HIV is not spread through everyday household contact such as cooking, bathing children, hugging, or sharing utensils. Transmission occurs through specific routes like unprotected sexual contact, infected blood, shared needles, or from mother to child.
Mrs. Dorcas Adewale, a healthcare worker, cautions against panic-driven decisions.
“People need to understand that HIV cannot be transmitted through normal domestic interactions,”
“Testing is important for awareness and early treatment, but it should never become a basis for fear or discrimination in the home.”she said.
Balancing Safety and Human Rights
While cases like Hauwa’s raise valid concerns about health awareness, they also highlight ethical questions. Mandatory or forced testing without consent can violate personal rights, and using medical status as grounds for employment decisions can be discriminatory.
Experts recommend a more balanced approach—one that prioritizes both safety and dignity.
Routine health checks, they say, should be:
Voluntary and confidential
Focused on general wellness, not just specific diseases
Accompanied by education on hygiene and prevention
A Call for Awareness
For many families, the issue goes beyond individual households. It reflects broader systemic gaps—lack of regulation in domestic worker recruitment, limited access to healthcare, and low awareness about diseases like HIV.
Hauwa maintains that her intention is not to stigmatize but to encourage caution.
“I am not saying people should be treated badly, but we need to be more careful and informed, especially when it comes to our children.”
Beyond Fear
As the conversation continues, one thing remains clear: ensuring safety at home must go hand in hand with accurate information and compassion.
Because while health checks can provide reassurance, understanding the facts is what truly protects both families and the people who work within their homes.