TBDN Organises World AIDS Day 2024 Program in Partnership with Queen Idia Hall, Rotaract,ARFH.

To celebrate World AIDS day, a Reproductive Wellness and HIV/ AIDS Screening Program was organized by the Blood Drive Network, in partnership with the Queen Idia Hall, Association of Reproductive and Family Health, and the Rotaract Club of the University College Hospital, at the Queen Idia Hall on Saturday, 14th of December, 2024. 

The program centered on the theme of the World AIDS Day – “Take The Rights Path: My Health, My Right”, featuring conversations on sexual health, STIs and STD prevention, contraceptives and illustrations on right usage of condoms, mental wellness exercises for young women (with dance and music), education on menstruation and menstrual hygiene, free HIV and Malaria screening tests, distribution of free branded sanitary pads, male and female condoms. There was also a Q&A session for individuals seeking clarification on some of the topics discussed.

Speaking with the Press, TBDN’s Founder, Dr. Chidinma Okoro, noted that the aim of the event was to ensure wholesome health and wellness for young women and girls who are particularly vulnerable to health challenges, more so as it pertains their sexual and reproductive health, and to empower these ladies to take charge of their sexuality, mental and physical health, prevent STIs through safe sex practices and ensure early screening to detect STIs for those who are sexually active. She mentioned the event was also purposed to expose the girls to knowledge of their body’s physiology, how to take care of themselves during menstrual periods and provision of menstrual pads, addressing period poverty and ensuring dignity of womanhood.

In her words “In an atmosphere of music and youthful vibes, we wanted the girls to be comfortable to have open unashamed conversations on sex, HIV prevention and screening, mental health, menstruation and all things women health – that was the goal and we’re glad we could achieve it, thanks to all our partners“.

Speaking with the Press, Elizabeth Aiyegboyin, the Queen Idia Hall Health Minister, said, “ We were able to reach a large number of Idiates and preach the gospel of reproductive health,  walk the talk through the free tests and show up and show out through the free pad initiative. We are grateful to our collaborators, The Blood Drive network, and The Rotaract Club, UCH, for the wonderful. It was a wonderful time and it brought a lot of smiles to the faces of  residents of Queen Idia Hall”. 

Participants at the event, Abdulakeem Goniyah and Abdulazeez Asmaa, expressed their appreciation, saying, “The event was really beneficial. The speakers dropped really great and practical tips on safe and hygienic practices for menstruation and safe sex. We also really enjoyed the question and answer session where we got extra pads!”

The Blood Drive Network is a youth-led organization geared towards ensuring youth commitment to regular voluntary blood donation as a corporate social responsibility and provision of sexual and reproductive health wellness and screening services for these youth donors.

* – This article has been edited in light of new information obtained by the Press.

Anyabolu Marvel