AHF launches wellness centre in Abuja

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has launched a wellness centre in Kuje, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to address various sexually related challenges.

The event, which took place on Thursday, sensitised people about the free Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 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 year.

Speaking at the event, AHF Country Programme Director Ejezie, said the wellness centre in Abuja provides free STIs services, including free counselling and treatment, cervical cancer screening and HIV services.

He said the centre is meant to reach out to people in the communities and Abuja 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 getting HIV/AIDS.

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

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 programme started in September. We want more advocacy to reach out to the people.

“We should reach out to the community and other parts of FCT to sensitise 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 said.

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, counselling 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,” she said.

Speaking further, she said they go into communities, schools, markets, and places of worship to sensitise 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 laudable initiative by the 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 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.

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