The Centre for Initiative and Development (CFID), with support from the U.S. Embassy, hosted a Movie & Wellness Night at Doruwa, opposite Polaris Bank, Barde Way, Jalingo (Lat: 8.89285° N, Long: 11.37715° E).
According to CFID, the goal of the event was to create awareness and provide sensitization for key populations in the area—including people who inject drugs (PWID) and sex workers—on HIV/AIDS prevention and management, Hepatitis B & C, and Tuberculosis.
The organizers explained that the evening was designed to combine entertainment with health impact. The movie screening took place at a known hotspot for sex workers, and alongside the show, participants were given access to free screening and testing services.
Reports from the outreach indicated that the community warmly received the initiative, with many attendees showing eagerness to know their health status, particularly with regard to HIV and Hepatitis. Refreshments were also provided, creating a safe and engaging environment for everyone present.
Officials stated that the program was carried out under the framework of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which remains the largest global commitment by any nation to address a single disease. PEPFAR’s stated aim is to save lives, prevent HIV infections, and accelerate the progress toward epidemic control. Its objectives include expanding access to HIV testing and treatment, reducing new infections, tackling co-infections such as Tuberculosis and Hepatitis, and working with local organizations to reach vulnerable groups.
The U.S. Embassy emphasized that through PEPFAR, it continues to partner with local organizations like CFID to ensure that healthcare services are accessible to those most at risk.
Stakeholders highlighted that this outreach was particularly important because it directly addressed populations that often face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare. By providing services in their own environment, the program was said to have broken barriers and encouraged early diagnosis and treatment, while also promoting trust between healthcare providers and marginalized groups.
CFID concluded that the initiative reflected its ongoing commitment to bring healthcare closer to vulnerable populations while reinforcing the U.S. Embassy and PEPFAR’s dedication to building a healthier and stigma-free future.
#CFID #PEPFAR #USEmbassy #HIVAwareness #Hepatitis #Tuberculosis #CommunityHealth #Jalingo