By Emmanuel Antswen
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has launched a wellness centre in Makurdi for the screening and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
AHF Senior Regional Medical Manager Dr John Ugboji, who performed the ceremony on Wednesday in Makurdi, described the centre as a one-stop for the treatment of STIs and general wellness.
Ugboji said AHF Nigeria has been on the ground in Benue implementing HIV/AIDS services since 2011.
He said to provide seamless and accessible STI services to the people, the foundation started the wellness clinic in Benue and in Abuja to bring the services closer to the people.
“The centre commenced operation in December 2024 but decided to officially launch it today and to let the general public be aware of the available services on offer.
“Our office opens Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, and provides skeletal services on Saturdays.
“All services are free of charge, from counselling to testing to treatment,” he said.
Ugboji stated that, besides STI treatment, the centre also provides free cervical cancer screening for eligible women and free condom education and distribution.
According to him, the other services offered by the centre include family planning services of all forms, menstrual health management, and free sanitary pad provision support for young girls.
He said over 2,500 clients have so far been screened since the centre started operations in December 2024 to date.
“We decided to site it on George Akume Way because it is a highbrow area close to the International Market, Benue Links Transport Company, Wurukum Park, Okada Riders Park, and Benue State University (BSU).
“We want it closer to the people in Logo 1 and 2, which 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 for transportation,” he said.
Ugboji, who expressed joy that HIV prevalence in Benue has reduced drastically, said at one time the prevalence was 15.7 per cent but has reduced to 3.4 per cent.
Also speaking, the Marketing and Advocacy Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborishade, called for the need to normalise health-seeking behaviours and seeking treatment when faced with health challenges.
AHF Medical Director, Dr Emmanuel Nwabueze said one must not have an STI to access their service at the wellness centre.
He urged the Benue public to come for screening and treatment for their well-being.
He said the centre would soon be established in the 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 of the Benue State Action Committee on AIDS (BENSACA), Titus Wanngo, said the state was proud to embrace the initiative, urging the people to make maximum use of the centre.
In their separate testimonies, the woman leader of Owner Occupier, Phase 1, Nguavese Vagba, and a community member, Steven Iduh, appreciated the organisation for their services to them and urged the people to avail themselves of the opportunities. NAN
