The Abia State government, through the Abia State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ABSACA) and in collaboration with the State Ministry of Education, has officially inaugurated Anti-HIV/AIDS clubs in all secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The State Director General of ABSACA, Dr. Uloaku Emma-Ukaegbu, made the announcement during the inauguration of the Anti-HIV/AIDS club for Abia Central Senatorial District, held at Amuzukwu Secondary School in Umuahia North Local Government Area,recently, where she emphasized that this initiative aims at educating young students about HIV/AIDS, its causes, methods of contraction, preventive measures, and the importance of abstinence, fostering healthy living and preventing practices that expose students to the risk of contracting the virus.
Dr. Uloaku said that the goal of establishing the clubs is to equip the younger generation with essential knowledge about HIV/AIDS and help combat the virus within the state. This aligns with the global vision for 2030, which aims to eradicate HIV/AIDS and promote healthy living in both the youths and larger society.
She commended the support of the Abia State Government, particularly Governor Dr. Alex Otti, for providing the necessary resources and logistics to ensure the success and sustainability of these clubs in schools, contributing to the overall health and future well-being of the students.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Joy Amobi, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the partnership between the Ministry and ABSACA in combating HIV/AIDS. She stressed that the initiative’s primary objective is to educate students at a crucial stage of their development, helping them understand the importance of preventing the virus.
Mrs. Amobi clarified that if proactive measures are not taken now, the consequences could be severe, particularly for students who are highly vulnerable. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering support for the institutionalization of the Anti-HIV/AIDS clubs in schools.
The event also featured speeches from key officials, including Mr. Chinedu Iroh (HOD, Monitoring & Evaluation at ABSACA), Mr. Chidi Onyendilefu (HOD, Planning, Research & Statistics, ABSACA), Mrs. Helen Agomuo (HOD, Administration, ABSACA), and Mr. Tete Chizaram, who represented the Director of Education Services at the Ministry of Education.
The inauguration was attended by school principals, students, and other stakeholders, marking a significant step toward ensuring a healthier future for the youth of Abia State.
