07/01/2026
KWSG Inaugurates Free HIV and Hepatitis B Sensitization and Screening in Offa LGA, Screens Over 1,000 Students.
The Kwara State Government flagged off a free HIV and Hepatitis B screening and sensitisation programme for adolescents and young people across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
The flag-off, held at the College of Health Technology, Offa, commenced with the screening and sensitisation of over 1,000 students, marking a major step in strengthening adolescent health interventions.
The programme, tagged “Community Awareness and Sensitisation on HIV and Condom Use among Youths,” is part of the Adolescent Health Care Programme under the European Union–supported Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) Initiative, being implemented through the Kwara State Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the event, I described HIV as a major public health concern among young people, noting that misinformation, stigma, and risky behaviours continue to threaten progress made in reducing new infections. I explained that the screening and sensitisation exercise reflects the resolve of the state under the leadership of His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to safeguard the health, productivity, and future of its youths.
I also highlighted improvements in healthcare infrastructure, human resource capacity, and access to youth-friendly services across the state.
I commended the European Union European Union in Nigeria for its sustained support implemented in partnership with development agencies, including UNFPA and UNICEF and praised the multi-sectoral collaboration of the SARAH Program.
In his remarks, the Hon. Commissioner for Youth Development, Amb. Shehu Ndanusa, noted that this intervention will strengthen adolescent and reproductive health services in the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Hon.Sulaiman Olatunji, urged students to take advantage of the free screening and commended the state government for extending the initiative to the local government.