Experts Call for Greater Awareness on HIV/AIDS in Secondary Schools in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Health education experts have called for more awareness on HIV and AIDS in schools across the state. The call was made during the 2024 World AIDS Day Commemoration organized by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).

The Executive Director of ANSACA, Mr. Johnbosco Ementa, emphasized the significance of engaging young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS through educational initiatives and awareness.

Mrs. Cecilia Ofuonye, a focal person for Family Life HIV/AIDS Education (FLHE) at the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, akso called for more awareness on HIV and AIDS in schools across the state.

Ofuonye highlighted the importance of equipping young people with knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention and management, ensuring a well-informed and healthier generation.

AnambraDaily gathered that as part of the annual event, ANSACA had organized a debate competition for secondary schools across the state. The competition which showcased oratory and intellectual prowess of top-performing schools in the State began with the State Debate Committee carefully analyzing the performances of secondary schools in debating over the past academic year, shortlisting the best to compete.

The first day featured the preliminary rounds, while the second day saw the finalists battle it out for top honors.

At the end of the keenly contested finals, St. Michael’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo, emerged as the overall winner, clinching the first-place prize of a cash award and an award plaque.

Bubendorf Memorial Grammar School, Adazi Nnukwu, secured second place, while the host school, St. Charles College, Onitsha, finished in third place. Both schools also received cash prizes and award plaques.

The competition was judged by a distinguished panel comprising Mrs. Amaka Anaekwe, the State Debate Coordinator, and Mr. Chiagozie Udorji and Mr. John Onuigbo, both serving as State Debate Coaches. Their expertise ensured a fair and rigorous evaluation of the participants’ performances.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Ementa commended the students for their impressive performances and urged them to be ambassadors of change in their communities, advocating for health consciousness and responsible lifestyles.

He highlighted the debate competition as a meaningful way to inspire critical thinking, foster healthy competition, and raise awareness about the importance of HIV prevention and management.

Speaking at the event, Mr. John Onuigbo praised the competition as a “powerful platform for young minds to develop critical thinking, eloquence, and teamwork while spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS.”

He commended the organizers for using education as a tool to promote health consciousness and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The event was also graced by other notable dignitaries, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative, and Be Glad Care and Support Foundation, who emphasized the importance of youth engagement in fostering awareness and action towards HIV/AIDS prevention.

The debate served as the final activity, bringing to a close the series of events mapped out for the commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day in Anambra State.

ANSACA was commended for its role in organizing the competition, which successfully highlighted the intellectual capabilities of Anambra’s young minds while reinforcing the message of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.

The organizers expressed gratitude to all participating schools and reiterated their commitment to youth development and health education initiatives.