FCT Community Gets Free Hepatitis, HIV, Blood Pressure Screening

Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Branch, has commemorated the 2026 World Biomedical Laboratory Day with a free medical outreach for residents of Jiwa community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The outreach, led by the Branch Chairman, Musa Wazani, brought basic diagnostic and counselling services directly to members of the community as part of activities marking the global observance.

The 2026 theme, announced by the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS), is “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics”. The theme underscores the growing role of laboratory professionals in strengthening healthcare systems while also promoting environmentally responsible and sustainable diagnostic practices.

During the outreach, licensed medical laboratory scientists conducted free screenings for residents, including tests for hepatitis viral infections, blood glucose levels, HIV, and blood pressure.

Beneficiaries also received health counselling on disease prevention, early detection, and general wellness practices.

At the event, the chairman, Musa Wazani, said the choice of Jiwa Emirate was intentional, as part of efforts to celebrate the day in partnership with the community and its traditional leadership.

He noted that the outreach was also held in honour of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr Idris Musa, the Emir of Jiwa, who serves as the lifetime patron of the AMLSN FCT Branch.

“We deliberately chose Jiwa Emirate to mark this year’s celebration with His Royal Highness, who has remained a strong supporter of health initiatives within his domain and beyond,” Wazani said.

He commended the Emir for his consistent support for public health programmes and described him as a key advocate for community wellbeing.

Wazani also acknowledged the contributions of the FCTA chapter leadership under the AMLSN FCT Branch, noting that their technical input, mobilisation efforts, and volunteer support were instrumental to the success of the outreach.

World Biomedical Laboratory Day is observed annually on 15 April and was established in 1996 by IFBLS to recognise the critical role of biomedical laboratory scientists in healthcare delivery. According to health experts, laboratory results contribute to a significant proportion of clinical decisions in patient management.

Residents of Jiwa Emirate who benefited from the outreach expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that the free screenings provided an opportunity for early detection of common health conditions and improved awareness of preventive healthcare.

The AMLSN FCT Branch reaffirmed its commitment to continued community engagement and public health support through similar outreach programmes in underserved areas across the FCT.