The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), in partnership with the National AIDS Control Programme, marked World AIDS Day 2024 with a community outreach event at Dome Market in Accra on December 1.
Held under the global theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”, the event aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS while promoting overall health and wellness.
The outreach attracted a large turnout, with market traders and shoppers benefiting from free services, including HIV testing, glucose testing, Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement, blood pressure monitoring, and personalized health counselling. WACCBIP professionals also delivered a health talk emphasizing the importance of regular checkups, early disease detection, and informed health decisions.
Professor Osbourne Quaye, Head of Quaye Lab at WACCBIP, underscored the significance of the initiative:
“Over the years, WACCBIP has partnered with various institutions to commemorate World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1. This year, in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Programme, WACCBIP is engaging the Dome Market community through free health screenings, including HIV counselling and testing, glucose testing, blood pressure checks, and BMI measurement. These activities empower individuals with knowledge about their health status and encourage proactive health management.
I urge everyone to get tested and know their HIV status. Those who test positive will receive the necessary care and support to live healthy, productive lives, while those who test negative can adopt preventive measures to safeguard their health.”
The outreach received widespread appreciation from market traders and shoppers.
Ayeshatu Abukari, a trader, shared her gratitude:
“I sell at the market, and this morning, when I passed by, I was informed that WACCBIP was offering free HIV testing and other health screenings. I took the opportunity to get tested and undergo the screenings. We usually close late, so accessing such services is difficult. Bringing the screenings to us here at the market is truly commendable. AIDS is real, and you cannot tell by looking at someone. I encourage everyone to get tested. Thank you, WACCBIP, for making this possible.”
This event forms part of WACCBIP’s ongoing efforts to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and support public health campaigns across Ghana.
