Kwara launches free HIV, Hepatitis B screening across council areas
By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has launched a free HIV and Hepatitis B screening and sensitization programme targeting adolescents and young people in the 16 Local Government Areas.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the College of Health Technology, Offa, during the week, commenced with the screening and sensitization of over 1,000 students.
The programme, tagged "Community Awareness and Sensitization on HIV and Condom Use Among Youths," is part of activities of the Adolescent Health Care Program under the European Union–sponsored Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) Initiative.
Speaking during the ceremony, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, described HIV as a major public health concern, particularly among young people who make up a significant proportion of the population.
She noted that although progress has been made in reducing new infections, persistent challenges such as misinformation, stigma, and risky behaviours continue to threaten gains already recorded.
According to her, the screening exercise underscores the resolve of the State Government to safeguard the health, future, and productivity of its youths.
She explained that the sensitization component of the programme is designed to provide accurate information on HIV prevention, promote responsible sexual behaviour, encourage the correct and consistent use of condoms, dispel myths, and reduce stigma.
Dr. El-Imam commended the European Union for its sustained support through the EU-SARAH Initiative, noting that the intervention has continued to play a critical role in strengthening health systems and improving access to quality, youth-friendly health services.
She further stated that the initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the transformation of the health sector.
The commissioner highlighted improvements recorded in healthcare infrastructure, human resource capacity, and access to essential health services under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, with special emphasis on the wellbeing of adolescents and young people as the future of the state.
She lauded the collaborative approach adopted for the programme, involving the Ministries of Health, Youth Development, and Tertiary Institutions, alongside development partners, describing the multi-sectoral collaboration as critical to achieving sustainable and impactful outcomes in youth health and development.
The commissioner commended the State AIDS Programme Coordinator, the Reproductive Health Coordinator, and the entire Ministry of Health team for their dedication to strengthening HIV prevention and adolescent reproductive health in Kwara State.
She encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the programme, urging them to protect their health and serve as ambassadors of positive health behaviour within their schools and communities.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Amb. Shehu Ndanusa, appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued commitment to youth welfare and citizens’ health.
He noted that the strides recorded in health infrastructure, youth empowerment, and social welfare had created an enabling environment for initiatives such as EU-SARAH to thrive.
He explained that although the event was held in Offa, it forms part of a broader, state-wide EU-SARAH intervention being implemented by the Kwara State Government in partnership with key United Nations agencies, including UNFPA and UNICEF.
According to him, "the programme has strengthened maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services, expanded targeted outreaches for HIV testing and family planning, enhanced capacity building for health workers through functional Technical Working Groups, and deepened community engagement to reduce stigma and promote healthy behaviours."
Also, the Council Chairman of Offa Local Government, Hon. Suleiman Olagunju Omituntun, enjoined students to take advantage of the free screening to know their health status.
The chairman expressed appreciation to the State Government, through the Ministry of Health, for bringing the programme to his Local Government.