ANSACA, UNIMSA Take Free HIV, Malaria and TB Screening to Ogidi Community
By Obianuju Isima
No fewer than 139 residents of Ogidi in have benefited from a free community health outreach organised by the in partnership with the .
The outreach, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ogidi, provided free HIV counselling and testing, malaria testing, tuberculosis screening, health education and referral services. The initiative was aimed at expanding access to essential healthcare, promoting disease prevention and encouraging the early detection and treatment of HIV, malaria and tuberculosis.
Participants were educated on the importance of knowing their HIV status, preventing malaria through proper environmental sanitation, recognising the early symptoms of tuberculosis and adopting healthy lifestyle practices. Individuals requiring further medical attention were referred to appropriate healthcare facilities for continued treatment and follow up.
Ahead of the outreach, ANSACA, led by its Executive Director, , organised a capacity building session for members of UNIMSA on the National HIV Testing Services Guidelines. The training covered ethical standards, counselling techniques, infection prevention and control, as well as referral procedures to ensure quality and professional service delivery during the exercise.
The agency said the outreach forms part of the Anambra State Government’s efforts under the leadership of to improve access to quality healthcare across communities. It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community based HIV interventions while encouraging residents to know their HIV status, utilise available health services and seek prompt medical attention whenever necessary.
The successful outreach reflects the growing collaboration between government health agencies and educational institutions in advancing preventive healthcare and improving the wellbeing of residents across Anambra State.
