By Ukpa Ewa
Workers in Anambra State have benefitted from free medical screenings organised by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency during the International Workers’ Day celebration.
The exercise, held at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, offered a range of services including HIV testing, hepatitis screening, tuberculosis checks, blood sugar tests, and mobile X-ray examinations.
Health officials also distributed condoms, lubricants, and HIV self-testing kits, alongside education on their proper use.
Executive Director of ANSACA, Nkem Okeke, described the initiative as a strategic platform to expand public health awareness.
He revealed that more than 2,800 test kits were deployed, with additional supplies available if needed.
Okeke raised concern over the state’s HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 percent, which is above the national average of 2.1 percent, stressing the urgency of intensified efforts to meet the 2030 target of zero new infections.
He noted that the strong turnout reflected increasing awareness and a decline in stigma, as many workers willingly participated in testing.
The programme also received support from the administration of Charles Chukwuma Soludo, which, according to officials, has strengthened the state’s HIV response through technical and policy backing.
A representative of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Nigeria, Obiakalusi Charity, said the partnership aimed to promote HIV prevention and reproductive health, with free protective materials distributed to reduce the spread of infections.
Similarly, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative case manager, Nkwocha Levi, confirmed high participation, particularly in HIV and tuberculosis screening.
Participants praised the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that encouraged workers to know their health status and prioritize regular medical check-ups.
The outreach underscored the importance of workplace health programmes, with stakeholders calling for sustained awareness and expanded access to preventive healthcare services across the state.
