By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has taken free HIV screening, counselling and testing services to residents of Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA), as part of efforts to promote HIV awareness, encourage early diagnosis and strengthen community based prevention.
The outreach took place on Oct. 17, during the Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival at Umuoli Village, Umuoji, with sponsorship from Chief Barrister Austin Arinze Obiefuna.
By integrating HIV services into a major community celebration, ANSACA brought essential health information and testing closer to residents, creating an opportunity for people to know their HIV status and make informed decisions about their health.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of taking HIV prevention services directly to communities, where cultural gatherings provide opportunities to reach people with vital health messages and encourage voluntary testing in a familiar environment.
ANSACA expressed appreciation to Chief Barrister Austin Arinze Obiefuna for sponsoring the outreach and to the people of Umuoji for their participation and support.
The agency also acknowledged the support of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for strengthening public health initiatives and supporting efforts to improve access to HIV prevention, testing, counselling and treatment services across the state.
ANSACA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding community based HIV interventions and working with stakeholders to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The agency encourages residents to know their HIV status, seek reliable health information and access available testing and treatment services without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Know Your Status. Prevention Starts in the Community.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#ANSACA #KnowYourHIVStatus #EndAIDSBy2030
