The Anambra State Government has launched a statewide HIV screening and awareness campaign aimed at expanding access to free testing, early diagnosis and preventive healthcare services for residents.
The initiative, coordinated by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), commenced at the UNIZIK Temporary Site Motor Park in Awka, where hundreds of drivers, commuters, traders and other residents received free HIV screening and health education.
Speaking during the flag-off, the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said motor parks were selected as strategic locations because they attract large numbers of people who may not regularly visit health facilities for routine medical checks.
He explained that the campaign is designed to improve access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment services while encouraging residents to know their HIV status through free and confidential screening.
In addition to HIV testing, participants also benefited from hepatitis screening, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as chest X-rays, making the exercise a comprehensive community health outreach.
Dr. Okeke said the programme also featured public education on HIV prevention, early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle practices, with health workers distributing free condoms and lubricants while demonstrating their proper use to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving access to preventive health services across Anambra State.
The ANSACA Executive Director also urged residents to disregard unverified HIV statistics circulating on social media, stressing that only officially released public health data should be relied upon.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, commended ANSACA for taking healthcare directly to the people and encouraged residents to take advantage of the free screening services.
He assured that the local government would continue collaborating with the agency to extend the campaign to other busy locations within the council area.
The awareness campaign concluded with health education sessions emphasizing the importance of regular HIV testing, healthy living and community participation in the fight against HIV.
The state government said the outreach will continue across major motor parks and other high-traffic locations as part of efforts to improve public health and expand access to preventive healthcare services statewide.
