Monarch Leads by Example as ANSACA Takes Free HIV, TB, Hepatitis Screening to Abacha
By Chisom Echele
Residents of Abacha Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have received free screening for HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis (TB), as the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) intensified its grassroots campaign against communicable diseases.
The community health outreach, held on August 15 at Abacha Amaka Hall, Olise Market, also offered free blood pressure checks, HIV counselling and health education to residents, particularly young people.
The initiative was organised as part of the Abacha Youth Unity Hangout 2026, providing ANSACA with an opportunity to bring essential preventive healthcare services directly to a large gathering of residents.
A major highlight of the exercise was the decision of the traditional ruler of Abacha, HRH Igwe Nwabunwanne Godwin Odiegwu, Ezedioramma Oranyelueze Ikedim III, to personally participate in the health screening.
The monarch, who commended the initiative, urged residents to embrace preventive healthcare and regularly check their health status.
His participation was widely seen as a strong demonstration of leadership and a message to residents that seeking preventive healthcare should not be associated with fear or stigma.
Beyond the screenings, ANSACA officials used the outreach to educate residents on HIV prevention, early detection and treatment, hepatitis, tuberculosis, healthy lifestyles and the dangers of drug abuse.
The President of the Abacha Youth Association, Solomon Nwabueze Onyiagha, commended ANSACA for bringing the services to the community rather than requiring residents to travel to health facilities.
He said the youth association was ready to sustain partnerships with government agencies and other stakeholders to promote the health and development of the community.
The strong turnout recorded at the exercise, particularly among young people, underscored the growing importance of taking preventive healthcare beyond hospitals and clinics to places where people live, work and gather.
ANSACA said the outreach was part of its continued effort to strengthen community based HIV prevention and control across Anambra State through testing, counselling, health education and integrated screening services.
The agency urged residents to make regular health checks part of their lifestyle, stressing that early detection remains critical to effective treatment and disease prevention.
Know Your Status. Prevention Starts in the Community.
