The outreach programme was conducted from June 1 to June 28, 2015, covering nine communities in Enugu-East Local Government Area, Enugu State. The communities reached included Ugbo-Odogwu, Emene, Iji-Nike, Ugbo-Oghe, Ogwuagor, Ugbo-Ezeji, Nkpologwu, Ugbo-Owa, and Agu-Owa. The primary focus of the outreach was to provide HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) services, alongside essential prevention education, to community members.
During the sessions, trained counsellors engaged participants in pre-test discussions, explaining the benefits of knowing one’s HIV status, clarifying myths, and encouraging responsible health-seeking behaviour. As part of the prevention education, male and female condom use was practically demonstrated. This hands-on approach ensured participants understood the correct usage, thereby reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Participants were also given opportunities to ask questions and receive clarifications on sexual health and HIV prevention.
Over the course of the programme, a total of 1,597 people were tested for HIV. Of these, 453 males and 1,093 females tested negative, while 3 males and 10 females tested positive. All individuals who tested positive were referred to Ntasiobi Hospital and Annunciation Hospital for confirmatory testing, clinical assessment, and enrolment into antiretroviral therapy (ART) services.
To ensure continuity of care, the outreach team tracked these referred clients through follow-up phone calls, confirming that they had accessed treatment and were receiving ongoing medical support. This proactive tracking approach helped to strengthen linkage to care and improve treatment adherence for newly identified positive cases.
The outreach successfully combined HIV testing, prevention education, and linkage to care, making it a vital intervention in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Enugu-East LGA.
