NGO Runs Free HIV/AIDS Test For Young Commercial Sex Workers In Onitsha

Anambra State is no doubt a state where girls of very young age are largely involved in commercial sex work.

Some travel all the way from Imo state, and different villages in Anambra state to the state commercial centre, Onitsha almost on daily basis especially weekends to sleep with men for money.

Oba community which is very near to Onitsha, most especially along the Onitsha-Owerri road at night is a sight to behold.

Girls of very young age line up almost every night along the road using the trailer and other vehicles parked as a cover but upon sighting any vehicle, they rush out to try to get patronage.

An information from the area indicated that a well known owner of a hotel where most of the commercial sex workers stay, died recently from an illness believed or suspected to be HIV/AIDS.

It was gathered that the man before death, enjoyed his life with little or no restrain; believing HIV/AIDS is not real. He was said to be avoiding regular treatment and medication, and possibly continued having unsafe sex.

Irked by the need to rescue young girls from commercial sex business, a Non Governmental Organization, Save Young Girls Motherhood Foundation, carried out free medical tests for commercial sex workers in Onitsha.

According to Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, the girls were tested mainly for hepatitis B and C, the two most deadly variants of the killer disease, as well as HIV and AIDS.

“There were also tests for malaria and typhoid fever, and Sexually Transmitted Infections, STIs.

“Patrons who showed willingness were equally tested.

“But, getting the girls to run the test was another uphill task, different from calling their attention in the first place.

“Though the exercise was carried out free of charge, it took more than just the usual persuasion to get them to comply.

“The results of the tests would later be sent to their collated phone numbers, after which those whose test came back positive would be expected to visit hospitals for immediate treatment.

“The founder of Save Young Girls Motherhood Foundation, Reverend Sister Dorathy Okoli, in an interview, said that ordinarily, the medical tests should not be carried out in the brothels, giving that the girls mostly return to the same vocation, to meet the same disease that had been detected and treated, a disturbing development for the organization.

“She maintained that the organization direly needs a rehabilitation home where the repentant girls could be kept to learn vocational training, after which they would be empowered, to help them become financially independent and keep their minds away from the odd job.

“Reverend Sister Dorathy Okoli can be reached via: 08032264250”, ABS news read.