From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has launched a wellness centre in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, for the screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Speaking to newsmen during the launch on Tuesday, July 29, the Senior Regional Medical Manager, AHF Nigeria, Dr John Ugboji, said the wellness centre is a one-stop shop for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections and general wellness.
According to him, AHF Nigeria has been implementing HIV services in Benue State since 2011.
He, however, said that to provide seamless and accessible STI services to the people, “we started the wellness clinic in Benue and in Abuja to bring STI services closer to the people.”
He explained that in the course of implementing HIV services, “we observed that a lot of people also have to deal with STIs whereas there is little or no attention being devoted to STIs.
“The centre commenced operation in December 2024, but we decided to officially launch it today and to let the general public be aware of the available services on offer, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and provide skeletal services on Saturdays. All services are free of charge, from counselling and testing to treatment.”
Ugboji noted that besides STI treatment, the centre also provides free cervical cancer screening for eligible women, free condom education, and distribution. Other services available include family planning services of all forms, menstrual health management, and free sanitary pad provision support for young girls.
“These services are free of charge,” he restated.
Ugboji, who is also the coordinator of the AHF programme in the state, said the centre was the second AHF wellness centre in Nigeria, after Abuja. He said the choice of Benue was because AHF prides itself on Benue in whatever it does.
“AHF Nigeria actually started from Benue State in 2011 before they went back to Abuja to establish the corporate office and also spread to other states. So we don’t play with Benue in whatever we are doing, and Benue has the population and Benue people are also keen and serious about their health.”
He said over 2,500 clients have so far been screened since the centre started operations in December 2024 till date.
“We decided to site it on this road, George Akume Way, because it is a highbrow area close to the International Market, Benue Links Transport Company, the Wurukum park, Okada riders park, and the Benue State University (BSU). We want it closer to the people, Logo 1 and 2 is where most students and youths who are sexually active reside, and they can easily walk in here and access our services without much cost to transportation.”
Ugboji, who expressed joy that HIV prevalence in Benue State has reduced drastically, said at a time the prevalence was 15.7% but has reduced to 3.4%. “A lot has been done in Benue State, and we are still counting and moving forward, and by the grace of God, we would achieve elimination on or before 2030,” he said.
Also speaking, the Marketing and Advocacy Manager, AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborishade, called for the need “to normalise health-seeking behaviours and seeking treatment when faced with health challenges.
“There’s nothing wrong with seeking treatment when we confirm the presence of STIs.
“We are saying that once people come here, they will be treated, and they will be fine. STIs are easily transmissible when we have unsafe sex and we must encourage people to seek treatment. People should be free and proud to approach treatment,” Aborishade said.
AHF Medical Director, Dr Emmanuel Nwabueze, said one must not have an STI to access their services at the wellness centre. He urged the Benue public to come for screening and treatment for their wellbeing. He said the centre would soon be established in Gboko Local Government Area and other areas of the state to extend the services to others and also provide jobs to the youths.
Acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Action Committee on AIDS (BENSACA), Wanngo Titus, said the state is proud to embrace the initiative, urging the people to make maximum use of the centre.
In their separate testimonials, the woman leader of Owner Occupier, Phase 1, Vagba Nguavese, and a community member, Steven Iduh, appreciated the organisation for their services to them and urged the people to avail themselves of the opportunities.
The traditional ruler of Logo 1, Zaki Adzande Tersar, also expressed appreciation to AHF, saying the centre would go a long way in improving the health of his people.
