On June 26, 2015, 767 Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and 56 Caregivers received free HIV testing and counseling (HTC) in 5 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) in Anambra State. Four (4) OVC and 1 caregiver tested HIV positive and were counseled and referred to accredited hospitals where treatments are free.
WEWE – LOPIN in order to track the number of OVC and Caregivers that know their HIV status conducted a community health fair at Primary Healthcare Centers. The fair was conducted to reduce the stigma of stand alone HCT. The health fair provided free HIV test, malaria test, dispensing of multivitamin and deworming tablets to the vulnerable households and children. WEWE-LOPIN received a donation of 2000 HIV test kits from Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).
WEWE-LOPIN targeted 2 Local Government Areas and 4 communities for the Health fair. The LGAs are Anambra East and Ayamelum. The benefiting communities include Omor, Igbakwu, Nando and Aguleri.
The Health Fairs took place from the 22nd to 26th of June, 2015. The first fair was conducted at Omor and Igbakwu, communities in Akanator, Amikwe and Isichelle Primary Health Centers (PHC). The second fair was conducted in Nando and Aguleri community at Ikem Nando PHC, Isinyi Nando PHC, Umundeze PHC and Maternal and Child Healthcare Center Otuocha in collaboration with WEWE – LOPIN subgrantee; South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) and Hope Givers Initiative (HOG-I).
The Health Fair started with sensitization of participants and community members were invited for the program through the use of local sounding of gong. Prior to the event, a massive awareness campaign was organized to inform the community of the benefits of knowing their HIV status and attending the Health Fair. A team of experts including nurses and trained HIV counselors were present to ensure pre and post test counseling as well as orderly collection of results.
As at June 2015, WEWE LOPIN project has enrolled 3,973 Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Anambra state. WEWE – LOPIN is working to identify and pull in all HIV+ Children in the communities we are currently working in through a close partnership with the primary health centers.
