HFDI Empowers Adolescents Girls and Young Women With HIV Awareness and Testing Through Community Based Initiative
By Titilola Olaniyan,
At Madrasatul Hababudeen College in Kwara state, Hope for Family Development Initiative HFDI sensitised 470 community members of Sapati ile, in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.on HIV enlightenment and basic facts on mode of transmission, prevention care and support for people living with HIV.
The Faith base/community mobilization and advocacy visit carried out by HFDI Kwara State team, had 420 Adolescent Girls and Young Women, AGYW as participants and they were provided confidential HIV Testing Services (HTS).
The HFDI team who got approval to conduct HIV sensitization and HTS services for AGYW at the institution and neighboring community, enlightened the community members on major modes of HIV transmission, plus prevention and they also addressed myths on HIV.
The community were also educated on understanding the first step on HIV, which is accessing testing services, while question and answer session was used to address community concern HIV/AIDS and other related health issues.
The team was led by HFDI Kwara State Program Officer with the support Community Case managers, who were also committed to the mobilization and testing services in the community.
With the HIV testing exercise, the participants were tested with Determine test kits, Wondfo Self-Kits, and Oral Self-Kits, at the outreach.
At the end of the exercise, the Madrasat Leadership expressed their deep appreciation for the outreach, and commended HFDI for their dedication to community health and the unique opportunity provided.