AWACIO

 

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) For The Staff of the Federal Ministry of Power Abuja.
On the 24th and 25th of October, 2011, Federal Ministry of Power, HIV Unit organized a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for the staff of the Federal Ministry of Power in collaboration with AWACIO at the SGF conference hall of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja. This exercise was to enable the ministry have data base of their staff on HIV status. Due to the magnitude of the event; we involved Gede Foundation and NACA as collaborating partner. Their role is to take charge of the testing and counseling,

and National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA) to give speech on HIV/AIDS.
However, it has been observed that very few people would willingly submit themselves to HIV/AIDS tests for various reasons ranging from stigmatization, fear of testing positive, and lack of knowledge on the management of the infection if tested positive, therefore, AWACIO made provision for gift items to every staff that will take the test as a means of motivation.
The program started at about 9.30am with every development partners dully represented. Welcome address was presented by the Director, Human Resources Management, Federal Ministry of Power, Mohammed Abbas. She used the opportunity to emphasis on the purpose, the programme tends to achieve such as giving every staff the opportunity to know his/her HIV/AIDS status; and to counsel participants on proper management of their status (whether positive or negative).
Opening remark was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, She stated that several campaigns and awareness have been carried out including care, support and assistance which have been given to People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWA). The Ministry has been assisting staff living with the virus with grants to carryout tests and to balance their diet without any form of stigmatization.
Overview of the HIV/AIDS in Ministry of Power was done by the Deputy Director, Mrs. Oni, of Federal Ministry of Power HIV/AIDS Unit. She also used the opportunity to highlight the history of the F.M.P HIV Unit. The unit started in 2004 with the help of NACA. The F.M.P HIV Unit hopes to advance to the next level with collaborators like AWACIO.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive Officer of AWACIO during her slide presentation explained the organization’s mission and vision.

She also used the medium to emphasis on the need for the screening on HIV/AIDS.
The screening exercise commenced immediately after speeches were given by the other collaborating partners present.

Staff came out in large numbers during the screening exercise to know their status due to the free items that AWACIO was distributing out to those who did the screening.