The Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA) has concluded its statewide marathon sensitization training on emerging issues in HIV/AIDS for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD), with the Abia North Senatorial Zone hosting the final phase of the exercise.
The one-day sensitization training, held at Bestnak Hotel, Ohafia, brought together, persons living with disabilities drawn from the five local government areas of Abia North Senatorial Zone. The training ended with a strong call on participants to prioritize safe lifestyles as a critical strategy for overcoming disruptions and sustaining the HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria, and Abia State in particular.
The sensitization aligns with the theme of the 2025 World AIDS Day and reflects ABSACA’s sustained commitment to driving HIV/AIDS awareness across diverse population groups, especially vulnerable groups such as persons living with disabilities.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director General of ABSACA, Dr. (Mrs.) Emma Uloaku Ukaegbu, welcomed participants and urged them to be attentive and fully engaged in the training in order to acquire the knowledge needed to sustain good health, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS prevention and response. She noted that the Abia North engagement marked the conclusion of similar trainings earlier conducted across the three senatorial zones of the state for PLWD.
Dr. Uloaku expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for prioritizing health issues and ensuring inclusive access to healthcare information and services for all segments of the population. Represented at the event by the Head of Administration, ABSACA, Mrs. Helen Agomoh, the Director General charged participants to become champions and advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS within their respective communities.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the participants, Mr. Chidi Onyendilefu reaffirmed the commitment of persons living with disabilities to support the current administration in sustaining the developmental strides being recorded across the state. He commended Governor Alex Otti’s administration for the unprecedented level of inclusion and support extended to PLWD, noting that the group now enjoys renewed hope and a stronger sense of belonging. According to him, “It has never been this good for persons living with disabilities in Abia State.”
The training sessions covered a wide range of critical topics, including:
Overview of HIV status in Nigeria
Basic facts on HIV/AIDS
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Personal health and hygiene
Child abuse
Harmful traditional practices
Adolescent lifestyles and sexual behaviour
Drug abuse, usage and trafficking
Contemporary social problems in Nigeria
These sessions were expertly facilitated by seasoned professionals, including Dr. Chi Ukpai (PhD) and Mr. Ndubuisi Kanu of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of ABSACA. The training featured PowerPoint presentations and was supported by a sign language interpreter Mrs Ekechukwu Esther, to ensure effective communication for participants with hearing impairments.
An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to engage directly with facilitators, seek clarifications, and share experiences.
In a vote of thanks, Mrs. Eze Stella C. from Isuikwuato expressed deep appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for providing the resources that made the training possible, describing the initiative as timely and impactful. She also thanked the Director General of ABSACA, Dr. Emma Uloaku Ukaegbu, for her leadership and for assembling a dedicated team committed to strengthening the HIV/AIDS response in the state. She affirmed that the knowledge gained would be judiciously utilized and shared within their communities.
High point of the training was free testing/counseling services and distribution of essential commodities to the participants.
The event was widely described as a day of impactful learning, meaningful interaction, and renewed commitment toward achieving an inclusive and sustainable HIV/AIDS response in Abia State.
Okezie Uwakwe
ABSACA
