500 students volunteer for HIV test in Imo

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Over 500 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State have volunteered for a free HIV test at the school premises. This was made possible through the sensitisation on the disease by the Mozuk Future Solutions Ltd, in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Students’ Union Governments (SUG) of the institution.

Those who could not come out for the test were also given the free Oraquick HIV test kits to have themselves tested at the comfort of their homes.

Mozuk Product Manager, Harry Omoakhia, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at creating awareness and promoting HIV testing among adolescents. The distribution of the kits commenced at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, and will extend to the Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri, Omoakhia said.

Students’ Union Director of Health at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Adaeze Ogbonna, appreciated the students for participating and emphasised the importance of HIV awareness.

President, Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution, Desmond Nwosu, in his speech at the occasion, urged students to take advantage of the “Oraquick Campus Storm” initiative and get tested.

One of the organisers, Jacinta Chinedu, earlier in her speech, stated that free distribution aims to ease the financial burden of procuring HIV test kits.