With an ambience
of our location being Irawo-ile that seemed like none of them were interested
in matters concerning health which was the footing we took off with for the
campaign. Irawo-ile located in Atisbo Local Government, Oyo State with a
handful of residents in it.
Prior to the D-
day of the outreach, as the only two (2) Batch B; C-pets posted to the
community under the NYSC SCHEME, we conducted one on one talks with members of
the community about health matters and it was deduced that majority of them do
not have an idea of what sexually transmitted infections entails and most of
them have never tested for HIV.
Materials for
the outreach like HIV test kits were sourced from 3 primary health care centres
outside the community because the primary health care centre in irawo- ile was
not functioning properly. Contraceptives and refreshments were also sourced
from the C-Pets’ benevolence.
The outreach
started at the Oba’s Palace where he led the movement by making himself an
exemplary leader by making himself available for testing giving his followers
reasons why they also should engage themselves in the exercise that was about
to take off. Awareness and mobilization were done with drummers who engaged the
same with rhythm to cause them to come from their farms, various places of work
and houses so they can participate also in the outreach.
With the help of
my colleague, a translator, my fellow Corp members, the event kicked off with
the talk which was tagged ‘Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)/HIV testing
and counselling. The attendance was impressive and the individuals present were
eager to learn and ask questions.
The outreach
came to a halt with the commencement of the free HIV testing and counselling
over 50 individuals both first timers came forward to get tested with the aim
of knowing their status. All tests came out Negative.
Uriri, Onome Martha
OY/15B/0475
Madaki, Vivian Simon
OY/15B/0135
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