 takes its sensitization campaign to the people, with a road show and health talk.){kind=link}
Keffi, the Nasarawa State capital, came alive on Monday with young women and men pounding the streets. It was not a political protest, but how the AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) took its sensitization campaign to the people, with a road show and health talk.
The road show sensitisation was part of the activities to commemorate World AIDS Day (WAD).
Speaking at the programme, Dr Ibrāhīm Bichi, Nasarawa state coordinator, said the sensitisation campaign by AHF is key in combating HIV/AIDS in the country.
He said the commemoration is aimed at promoting awareness, prevention, testing, and care while showing solidarity with those impacted by HIV/AIDS in the community and beyond.
He said Nasarawa state has prevalence rate of 2.0% with an estimated 23,306 people living with HIV requiring treatment.
He said AHF and the state government are working closely to address various HIV/AIDS challenges.
Also speaking, AHF Medical Director, Emmanuel Neabueze, said AHF is intensifying its campaign on daily basis to ensure the elimination of HIV/AIDS by 2030.
He also said the foundation is deliberate in its campaign for the treatment of sexually transmitted Infections and general wellness.
“AHF is determined to provide seamless and accessible STIs services to the people.”
“We are also working on establishing a wellness center in Nasarawa state, following the ones in Benue and Abuja.
“We started the wellness clinic in Benue and in Abuja to bring STIs services closer to the people.”
Nwabueze noted that the Center will provide free condom education and distribution to the people.
On his part, Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager at AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade, appreciated all stakeholders for their contribution to the success of the programme.
He said AHF will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in its determination to address STIs in the country.
“As an organization, we will partner with young people and other partners to address the various challenges facing us.”
Also speaking, Dogara Danjum, Director, Primary Health Care (PHC) Keffi, harped on the need for continuous collaboration to address STIs challenges.
He said the PHC is intensifying campaigns in various localities to address HIV/AIDS in the country.
Also contributing, representative of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Folarin Favour, said they are working in various communities in the state to educate young ones about the dangers of STIs.
She said the NYSC is supporting the PET programme in the state.
She appreciated AHF for giving NYSC the opportunity to be part of the programme.
Similarly, representative of Young Peoples Programme (YPP) in Keffi, Michael Catherine Ishor
said the project has trained them on various dangers of STIs.
She said they are reaching out to other youths in the state to educate them on how to better take care of themselves.