at May Day rally in Awka
By Chuks Collins
The newly appointed helmsman at the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency(ANSACA), Dr Nkem Okeke has kicked off on very good note.
He rolled out free medical screenings and distribution of HIV testings/kits, hepatitis screening, tuberculosis checks, blood sugar tests, and mobile X-ray examinations at the International Workers’ Day celebration.
The event held at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, venue of the May Day rally offered a range of health services checks.
ANSACA officials as part of their social service education distributed condoms, lubricants, and HIV self-testing kits, as well as education on their proper use.
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 described the initiative as a strategic platform to expand public health awareness in the state which would be sustained.
Above 2,800 test kits, he disclosed were deployed for the occasion, with additional supplies available if needed.
He noted that the strong turnout reflected increasing awareness and a decline in stigma, as many workers willingly participated in testing.