ANSACA Takes Free HIV Testing to Motor Parks, Begins Statewide Awareness Campaign in Anambra
By Chibuzor Okoye
In a renewed effort to curb the spread of HIV and improve public health, the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has launched a statewide HIV screening and sensitization campaign, taking free testing and health education directly to residents across the state.
The exercise commenced at the UNIZIK Temporary Site Motor Park in Awka, where drivers, commuters, traders, and other members of the public benefited from free HIV screening and counselling.
Speaking during the outreach, the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the agency deliberately chose the motor park because of its high human traffic and the constant movement of people from one location to another, which can contribute to the transmission of HIV if preventive measures are ignored.
He explained that beyond testing, the campaign is focused on educating residents about HIV prevention, encouraging people to know their status, and promoting responsible health practices.
Dr. Okeke disclosed that the agency is also distributing condoms free of charge and educating beneficiaries on their correct use, including the appropriate use of lubricants, as part of comprehensive HIV prevention efforts.
He attributed the expansion of the programme to the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration to strengthening Anambra’s healthcare system and improving access to preventive health services.
The ANSACA boss also urged members of the public to disregard unverified HIV statistics circulating on social media, stressing that only authorised health institutions are permitted to release such information in line with established professional guidelines.
According to him, the statewide outreach will continue until communities across Anambra have been reached with testing, counselling, and health education services.
The Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, who monitored the exercise, commended ANSACA for bringing essential healthcare services closer to the people.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of the free screening to know their HIV status, assuring that the council would continue collaborating with the agency to sustain the initiative.
Prince Okafor further revealed plans to extend the campaign to identified high population areas within the metropolis, including Ifite, home to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Abakaliki Street, to ensure wider coverage and increased public awareness.
In addition to HIV testing, residents received free hepatitis screening, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, x ray services, counselling, and other basic health interventions.
The outreach concluded with extensive public sensitization, alongside the distribution of condoms and lubricants, reinforcing the importance of prevention, early detection, and healthy living.
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