By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has commenced a statewide HIV screening and public sensitization campaign, beginning at the UNIZIK temporary site motor park in Awka.
The outreach, which was carried out on July 11, was aimed at bringing free HIV testing, health education, and preventive services directly to residents, particularly drivers, commuters and other frequent motor park users.
Speaking during the exercise, ANSACA Executive Director, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the initiative was designed to make essential health services more accessible to people in high-traffic public areas.
“Motor parks are strategic locations for this kind of intervention because they attract a large number of people from different communities.
“By providing screening and education here, we can reach individuals who may not otherwise visit health facilities for testing.” Dr. Okeke said.
He explained that the programme combines free HIV testing with sensitization on prevention, early detection and responsible health practices. The exercise also includes condom programming, with free distribution of condoms and lubricants, as well as demonstrations on their correct use.
Dr. Okeke noted that the intervention forms part of the broader effort of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s effort to strengthen the state’s health system and expand access to HIV prevention and care services.
He urged residents to disregard unverified HIV statistics circulating on social media, emphasizing that official health data should only be released through authorized channels and in accordance with established public health guidelines.
The Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area(LGA), Prince Chinedu Okafor, who witnessed the exercise, commended ANSACA for taking health services directly to the people.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of the free screening to know their HIV status, pledging the continued support of the local government for the agency’s outreach programmes.
Prince Okafor expressed readiness to collaborate with ANSACA in extending the campaign to other identified high-traffic areas in Awka, including Ifite and Abakaliki Street.
In addition to HIV testing, ANSACA health officials conducted hepatitis screening, blood pressure and blood sugar checks and chest x-rays for participants.
The outreach concluded with an intensified sensitization session led by Dr. Okeke, Prince Okafor, and other health officials, who reiterated the importance of regular testing, healthy living, and collective efforts to curb the spread of HIV in Anambra State.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation Anambra State
