W-Lifeline HIV/AIDS Awareness and Sensitisation Programme
Widows Lifeline Nigeria (W-Lifeline), a non-governmental organization founded by Professor Emeritus Uche Azikiwe, recently held a major HIV/AIDS awareness and sensitisation programme as part of its ongoing mission to empower widows and vulnerable youths in Nigeria.
The event, which took place simultaneously at the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Prison’s Field, Ukpa Afikpo, Ebonyi State, brought together thousands of participants including civil servants, students, widows, market women, farmers, retirees, and informal sector workers. Through a vibrant roadshow, free HIV/AIDS testing, counseling, distribution of contraceptives, and lively entertainment, the programme aimed to increase public understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention and management.
National Director Prof. Christian Ezeibe, a Professor of Political Economy at UNN, led the event and emphasized the importance of abstinence, faithfulness to one partner, or consistent condom use in reducing the spread of HIV. He highlighted sobering statistics, noting that 1.9 million Nigerians are living with HIV out of 5.1 million cases in West and Central Africa.
The sensitisation event also served to commemorate World AIDS Day, reinforcing W-Lifeline’s commitment to promoting the health and well-being of Nigeria’s most vulnerable. Participants praised W-Lifeline for its impactful efforts and its holistic approach, which includes economic empowerment, educational and health support, advocacy, and psychosocial counseling.
W-Lifeline expresses gratitude to all partners, volunteers, and supporters who made the event a success, especially the staff and students of UNN, and supporters from Afikpo and across the region.
Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive society.