Foundation Launches Centre For Free STI Testing, Treatment

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has launched a Wellness Centre in Kuje, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The event which took place on Thursday was meant to sensitize people about the free Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) testing and treatment at the Centre.

This is also the second Wellness Centre in the country, after the first one was launched in Benue early this years.

Speaking at the event, AHF Country Programe Director Ejezie, said the Centre provides free STIs services,including free counseling and treatment, cervical cancer screening and HIV services.

He said the Centre is meant to reach out to people in the communities and the FCT at large.

“This is a special Centre for free STI testing and treatment. We are doing this to address various sexually related challenges in our communities. We know that by addressing this, we are also preventing people from HIV/AIDS.

“As an organization, we are interested in addressing and reducing these challenges in our society. We do this by testing and treating people for free.”

While calling for more advocacy, he urged members of the community to spread the word about the activities of the Centre in combating STIs.

He warned against stigma, calling for people to help ensure an STI free society.

Similarly, Emmanuel Nwabueze, Medical Director, AHF, said, “Our programe started since September. We want more advocacy to reach out to the people.

“We should reach out to the community and other parts of FCT to sensitize them about the activities of the Centre.

On the journey so far, a wellness Nurse Chika Judith said the event touches the very heart of public health, personal dignity, and community well-being.

“We are gathered here to shine light on the vital services offered at our Wellness Centre, which plays a key role in the prevention and management of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Cervical Cancer
Screening, and Family Planning.

“Health is not just the absence of illness; it is the foundation of opportunity, productivity, and a fulfilling life. Our Wellness Centre is more than a place for treatment — it is a space for education, prevention, and treatment.

She lamented that sexually transmitted infections continue to be a silent crisis in many communities, saying the stigma and misinformation around them often delay care, leading to serious health consequences.

“Our wellness Centre provides confidential testing and treatment services counseling and education to reduce stigma preventive tools such as condoms and awareness campaigns curative services through prompt diagnosis and access to medications.

“But more than that, we provide support – no one who walks through our doors should feel judged. They should feel informed, respected, and safe. We also offer Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA),
educate women on HPV and the importance of vaccination, timely follow-up care and treatment.

“We also raise community awareness to remove fear and myths. This is not just about detecting diseases; it’s about saving mothers, sisters, daughters and saving futures.”

Speaking further, she said they go into communities, schools, markets, places of worship to sensitize people.

Also speaking, Doris John, Programe Manager, FCT Action for the Control of AIDS (FACA), commended AHF for partnering and assisting the government in various areas of interventions.

She said this is a loudable initiative by yhe NGO and will go a long way in assisting people in the FCT and the country at large.

On his part, Chiroma of Kuje Alhaji Useini Bako, who was represented the Gomo of Kuje, said the traditional institution will take the lead in the campaign in various communities.

The Gomo said this development will help in addressing various sexually related challenges in the communities.