From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has launched a wellness centre in Kuje, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to provide health services and reach out to people in the FCT communities.
The event, which took place on Thursday, was meant to sensitise people about the free sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment at the centre.
Our correspondent reports that this is the second wellness centre in the country, after the first one was launched in Benue in July.
Speaking at the event, AHF Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, said the centre provides free STI services, including free counselling and treatment, cervical cancer screening, and HIV services.
“This is a special centre for free STI testing and treatment. We are doing this to address various sexually related challenges in our communities. We know that by addressing this, we are also preventing people from HIV/AIDS.
“As an organisation, we are interested in addressing and reducing these challenges in our society. We do this by testing and treating people for free,” he added.
While calling for more advocacy, he urged members of the community to take advantage of the opportunity and to spread the word about the activities of the centre in combating STIs.
He cautioned against stigma, calling on the people to help ensure an STI-free society.
Also speaking, the medical director, AHF, Emmanuel Nwabueze, said AHF wants more advocacy to reach out to the people, especially those in the communities and other parts of FCT, to sensitise them about the activities of the centre.
A wellness staff member, Nurse Chika Judith, said the event touches the very heart of public health, personal dignity, and community well-being.
She stated, “We are gathered here to shine light on the vital services offered at our wellness centre, which plays a key role in the prevention and management of STIs, cervical cancer screening, and family planning.
“Health is not just the absence of illness; it is the foundation of opportunity, productivity, and a fulfilling life. Our wellness centre is more than a place for treatment; it is a space for education, prevention, and treatment.”
She lamented that STIs have continued to be a silent crisis in many communities, saying the stigma and misinformation around them often delay care, leading to serious health consequences.
“Our wellness centre provides confidential testing and treatment services, counselling, and education to reduce stigma; preventive tools such as condoms and awareness campaigns, curative services through prompt diagnosis and access to medications.
“But more than that, we provide support; no one who walks through our doors should feel judged. They should feel informed, respected, and safe. We also offer Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), educate women on HPV and the importance of vaccination, timely follow-up care, and treatment.
“We also raise community awareness to remove fear and myths. This is not just about detecting diseases; it’s about saving mothers, sisters, daughters, and saving futures.”
The Programme Manager, FCT Action for the Control of AIDS (FACA), Doris John, commended AHF for partnering and assisting the government in various areas of interventions.
She said the centre, which she described as a laudable initiative, will go a long way in assisting people in the FCT and the country at large.
Also, the Chiroma of Kuje, Alhaji Useini Bako, who represented the Gomo of Kuje, said the traditional institution will take the lead in the campaign in various communities.
He also noted that the development will help in addressing various sexually related challenges in the communities.