The Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has intensified efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state through a large-scale sensitisation campaign, free medical screening, HIV testing and distribution of condoms to residents of the Mechanic Village in Abakaliki.
Speaking during the outreach, the Executive Secretary and Programme Manager of EBOSACA, Prince Chibueze Andrew Iteshi, described the Mechanic Village as one of the state's identified hotspots due to its high daily human traffic, stressing the need for sustained awareness and preventive interventions.
Iteshi said the programme was designed to educate participants on positive sexual behaviours, increase public knowledge of HIV prevention and reduce the incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
According to him, the intervention was made possible through the support of UNFPA, which partnered with the agency to bring HIV prevention services closer to the people.
"We consider the Mechanic Village a strategic hotspot because thousands of people from different communities converge here daily. That is why we came to educate them on responsible sexual behaviour and the best preventive measures against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections," he said.
He noted that participants received comprehensive education on HIV prevention, while free condoms were distributed as part of measures to reduce new HIV infections.
The EBOSACA boss further highlighted available HIV prevention options, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), explaining that long-acting injectable PrEP and daily oral PrEP are available for individuals who test HIV-negative and are at substantial risk of infection.
He clarified that the preventive medications are strictly for HIV-negative persons and are not intended for those already living with the virus.
"These preventive drugs are for people who have tested negative to HIV. They help prevent infection and are not a treatment for those who are already HIV-positive," Iteshi explained.
He added that individuals who test positive during screening are immediately enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART), noting that consistent use of the medication suppresses the viral load within three to six months, enabling patients to live healthy and productive lives while significantly reducing the risk of transmitting the virus.
According to him, early treatment also helps prevent opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis (TB), adding that the agency collaborates with TB control programmes to strengthen disease prevention and improve public health outcomes across the state.
On concerns involving couples with different HIV status, popularly known as discordant couples, Iteshi explained that such couples can safely marry and raise families through proper medical care.
He said while the HIV-positive partner remains on antiretroviral treatment to achieve viral suppression, the HIV-negative partner can be protected through available PrEP options, allowing both partners to maintain healthy family lives under medical supervision.
Also speaking, Dr. Linda Obi advised members of the public to always seek proper medical diagnosis before taking any medication, stressing that early testing remains one of the most effective ways of preventing complications associated with HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
Obi urged residents to visit approved health facilities for medical screening whenever they feel unwell instead of resorting to self-medication, noting that prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly improve health outcomes.
"It is important for everyone to undergo proper medical tests before taking any medication. Early diagnosis facilitates prevention and effective treatment. There is no need for anyone to die in silence from any illness when medical care and treatment are available. Visit a health facility, know your health status and seek appropriate care without delay," Obi advised.
In his remarks, the General Chairman of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Ebonyi State chapter, Comrade Fidelis Ukwa, commended EBOSACA and UNFPA for bringing the awareness campaign and free medical services to the Mechanic Village.
Ukwa described the programme as timely, noting that good health remains the foundation for productivity and wealth creation.
He also praised Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what he described as the administration's commitment to healthcare delivery and people-centred governance.
According to him, the presence of EBOSACA at the Mechanic Village reflects the government's determination to improve the health and wellbeing of Ebonyi people.
"We are grateful to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for prioritising the health of Ebonyi people. Health is wealth, and only healthy people can contribute meaningfully to the development of society. We appreciate EBOSACA, the Ministry of Health and UNFPA for bringing this important programme to our members," Ukwa said.
Highlights of the outreach included extensive HIV/AIDS sensitisation, free HIV counselling and testing, general medical screening, health education and the distribution of free condoms to mechanics, apprentices and other members of the public who attended the programme at the Mechanic Village, Abakaliki.
