Imo Student Partners OraQuick, NANS to Intensify HIV/AIDS Awareness in Tertiary Institutions
By Anselem Anokwute
In a renewed effort to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS among Nigerian adolescents, the OraQuick Campus Company, in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone F, has launched a sensitisation campaign across tertiary institutions in Imo State, distributing free HIV self-test kits, condoms and other preventive materials.
The initiative, attracted to the state by a Level 300 Law student of the Imo State University and immediate past General Secretary of NANS Zone F, Comrade Alfred Jacinta Chinedu, commenced at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and Imo State University, both in Owerri.
Speaking during the sensitisation programme, the Product Manager of OraQuick a distribution of Mozuk Future Solutions Limited, Mr. Harry Omoakhia, said the organisation was in Imo State to intensify awareness on HIV/AIDS, which he described as prevalent among adolescents and requiring sustained health education.
According to him, the company’s intervention followed reports attributed to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) indicating a rise in HIV cases among students in the state.
“We are here to create awareness and sensitise students in tertiary institutions on the importance of knowing their health status. HIV is not a death sentence. With proper information and management, those affected can live healthy lives,” Omoakhia said.
He disclosed that the team was accompanied by a resource person who has lived positively with HIV for 22 years, to educate students on prevention, early detection and effective management. He added that the HIV oral fluid-based self-test kits were being distributed free of charge to interested students.
In her remarks, Comrade Alfred Jacinta Chinedu said she facilitated the partnership as part of her personal contribution to promoting sound health among students in the state.
She explained that recent information on the rising cases of HIV, as well as challenges in accessing some medical supplies, motivated her to seek the support of OraQuick to organise the sensitisation campaign and donate free test kits to students.
“This initiative is aimed at ensuring that students are well-informed and able to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health,” she stated, expressing confidence that the campaign would significantly reduce the spread of HIV among undergraduates.
Also speaking, Prince Odoemelam, State HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Programme Coordinator at the Imo State Ministry of Health, commended the organisers for the initiative. He urged students to take advantage of the free testing opportunity to know their HIV status.
He further noted that Governor Hope Uzodimma has made notable contributions to the health sector and encouraged students to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme to access affordable healthcare services.
Student union leaders at both institutions, including SUG President of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Comrade Odinakachi Pius Chikwado, lauded the organisers for prioritising students’ welfare. They encouraged their colleagues to participate actively in the programme.
Highlights of the event included free distribution of condoms, lubricants, HIV oral fluid-based self-test kits, health talks, games, snacks and other side attractions.
Participants were urged to embrace regular testing and sustained awareness as key measures in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS within the student community.
Directors of Health in both institutions contributed to the mobilization of the students to participate in the health awareness creation outfit.