Soludo’s Healthy Workplace Initiative: ANSACA Takes Integrated HIV Services To Naira Rice
By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has expanded its workplace HIV and integrated health screening programme to Naira Rice, strengthening efforts to take HIV prevention, testing and essential health services directly to workers across the state.
Speaking during the Sept. 18 outreach, ANSACA Executive Director, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the initiative reflects the commitment of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, to intensify HIV sensitisation, testing and prevention across workplaces and other settings in Anambra State.
“Our message is simple: a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. We want people to understand HIV prevention, know their status and access care early when necessary,” Okeke said.
Workers received free HIV counselling and testing, tuberculosis screening, hepatitis B and C screening, malaria screening, vital-sign checks and health education. Participants who test positive for HIV will be confidentially linked to appropriate treatment and supported to remain in care, while those who test negative will receive prevention information and guidance.
Okeke explained that ANSACA is moving beyond stand-alone HIV testing by integrating other preventive health services and taking them directly to where people work and live. He also disclosed that participating organisations that meet the agency’s required standards may be recognised with an ANSACA Certificate of Compliance for a Healthy Workplace.
“I sincerely appreciate my senior brother and CEO of Naira Rice, Omenwa Arenze Benjamin, for opening his doors to us, supporting this initiative and demonstrating that the private sector has an important role to play in protecting the health of our people.
“We encourage more businesses, industries and organisations across Anambra State to partner with ANSACA. Together, we can build healthier workplaces and a healthier Anambra,” said Dr. Okeke.
The Chief Executive Officer of Naira Rice and Founder of Naira Group, Omenwa Arenze Benjamin, commended Governor Soludo and ANSACA for the initiative, describing accessible healthcare as fundamental to productivity and economic prosperity.
“At Naira Rice, we believe that health is wealth, health is progress and health is prosperity. A livable and prosperous Anambra must be built on sustainable, affordable and accessible healthcare,” Benjamin said.
He also commended Dr. Okeke and ANSACA for taking HIV services beyond conventional health facilities and pledged Naira Rice’s continued support for health awareness and community engagement.
The Naira Rice outreach follows a similar intervention at Chiben Leisure Hotel, Awka, as ANSACA continues to expand workplace and community-based services towards the goal of Zero New HIV Infections in Anambra State by 2030.
