Date: 2019-12-01

Kwara State AIDS Control Agency (KWASACA) has commenced screening of communities across the state for HIV/AIDS.

Speaking with newsmen at the sidelines of the screening exercise in Bode-Sadu, Moro Local Government Area of the state, Programme Manager, KWASACA, Dr Seleem Alabi, said screening for HIV/AIDS is a week-long activity that had commenced across the state, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

He said community intervention is taking place in Bode-Sadu, Dogari, and Kambi Oloru, which will include sensitization, screening and teenage care services among others.

Seleem explained that the Bode-Sadu market days afforded the opportunity to meet with numerous people from various communities to be screened for HIV/AIDS.

"We have been sensitising people not only on HIV but also on blood pressure and other related diseases, as our doctors, nurses and pharmacists are already on ground," he said.

The KWASACA Programme manager noted that the agency had the support of the World Bank and that some support donors had, however, left the country.

He appealed to all stakeholders, agencies, civil societies and other parastatals not to relent in their efforts in controlling HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

Seleem advised those that are HIV/ AIDS positive that they can live their normal lifestyles with medications while advising those who are negative to remain so.

Speaking also at the screening exercise, Dr Abolaji Umar, Technical Assistant, KWASACA, said the outreach programme has already taken place in Chikanda, Kosu-Bosu and Okuta and other communities in Kwara North senatorial district.

He pointed out that the essence of the intervention assessment is to examine the knowledge, attitude and practice of people living in those community as regards to HIV/AIDS and their sexual health.

Speaking earlier, the Mogaji (Community Head) of Bode-Sadu, Alhaji Bolakale Yusuf, appreciated the efforts of the state government for their intervention in control of HIV/AIDS in their communities.

He pledged the support of their communities to any health interventions that will take place, saying that they will ensure people are there to get screened at all times the need arises.

It was gathered that some of the intervention included the distribution of condoms, flyers and sensitization in many languages on sexual health.