Oyo Government Takes Campaign Against HIV, Malaria to Market
The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), has conducted an integrated outreach programme at Ajegunle Market in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo Town.
The outreach which featured free HIV testing, malaria testing and tuberculosis (TB) screening for traders and residents, was part of efforts to scale up health interventions at the grassroots and strengthen disease prevention.
Speaking during the exercise, the Coordinating Director of OYSACA, Dr. Wale Falana, explained that the programme was designed to bring critical health interventions closer to the people, particularly traders and residents who may have limited time or access to conventional health facilities.
He noted that the outreach featured free HIV testing, malaria testing, and tuberculosis screening, alongside the provision of prescribed medications for those requiring immediate care.
Dr. Falana encouraged members of the public to embrace regular testing and adopt responsible health practices, including avoiding unprotected sexual activities, refraining from sharing sharp objects, and steering clear of other behaviours that increase the risk of infection.
In his remarks, the Babaloja of Ajegunle Market, Mr. Rasak Oyelayo, and the Iyaloja, Alhaja Fasilatu Motunrayo, lauded the Agency for bringing the integrated health campaign directly to the market.
They noted that the initiative would significantly benefit traders and the wider community, especially those facing financial constraints in accessing healthcare services.
