UYO-In keeping with its mandate of ensuring HIV free workforce, the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA), has embarked on free medical check-ups for thousands of workers as part of activities marking the State Public Service Week 2026.
The medical outreach provided with support from partners on Tuesday, during a Symposium at the Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo include free counseling , testing on HIV , blood pressure and blood glucose as well as the distribution of prevention commodities such as condoms, lubricants and other essentials.
The Project Manager, AKSACA, Dr Enobong Akpan ,who spoke on the outreach , said that the Agency was partnering the Office of the Head of Service of Akwa Ibom State to bring the free medical services to workers .
The initiative, he said, was in line with the Health Sector Reform, which is pivotal to the ARISE Agenda of the Governor Umo Eno , in which healthcare is prioritized.
“It is AKSACA’s mandate to prevent HIV/AIDS by providing testing and care services. So, we came to offer services to the formal sector who are working hard to reposition the Civil Service of Akwa Ibom .
“One of the things we have to address is the issue of HIV, especially among the people, who might not even know that they are carrying the virus because they do not test,” he stressed.
Akpan added that the Agency was leveraging on partnership with the Excellence Community Education and Welfare Services(ECEWS), and Managing Hypertension Among People Living With HIV/ AIDS :an Integrated Model (MAP-IT), to undertake the medical outreach for the workers.
He appreciated the partners for their commitment toward the fight against HIV/AIDS , saying that the response by workers was impressive as the medical services would also be carried out during the final football match at the Uyo Township Stadium, Wednesday.
Speaking , Mr Daniel Henry, team lead,MAP-IT, said as service providers , they were ensuring that everyone in the venue have access to screening, information , education and question, if any.
“By peradventure, if we identify some cases that require beyond screening, they are pathways to referral,so that they can get further care. Our focus is to extend public awareness and sensitization to Akwa Ibom State Civil Servants,” Henry explained.