Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State Government says it has recorded some progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Commissioner for Health Rivers State, Prof Princewill Chike said this on during an event to mark the 2021 World AIDS Day.
The World Health Organization WHO designated the first of December every year to mark World AIDS Day.
Prof Princewill Chike said Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has provided all that is necessary to combat the scourge.
”Over the last few years, Nigeria in general and Rivers State, in particular, has recorded significant progress in the war against HIV/AIDS. A recalibration of the HIV epidemic showed a significant decline in HIV prevalence from 5.8% in 2001 to 1.3% in 2018. Presently in Nigeria, it is estimated that 1.7million people are living with HIV in Nigeria, of which 90% are aware of their HIV status” he said.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof Princewill Chike also called on residents to desist from engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse.
”I urged you to be an advocate of HIV preventive behaviour in your respective institutions and communities and avoid risky sexual behaviours and I want to encourage pregnant women to register at the health facilities nearest to them for antenatal care. I called on all citizens of Rivers State to rally in confronting the inequalities that drive HIV and to reach people who are currently not receiving essential HIV services”.
Utilize the free HIV services in the State- Deputy Governor
In the meantime, Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo has urged People Living with HIV Aids to avail themselves of the Free HIV/AIDS Services in all 23 LGAs of the State.
Dr Banigo stated this in her goodwill message from the Government House to mark World AIDs Day.
According to the Deputy Governor, the call became necessary in view of the fact that the Aids Control programme has achieved 96% viral suppression for people currently on treatment, adding that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s decision to abolish user fees for PLWAs has given succour to both the infected and affected.
The Public Health Physician who said about 177,524 people are on treatment in 116 Anti-Retroviral Treatment Site, revealed that Anti Retro Viral Drugs are available and free in the State, including Community Testing Services.
The Deputy Governor who insisted that HIV/AIDs was not a death sentence frowned against discrimination and stigmatization of People Living with the Virus, stressing that all they need is our love and support.
The theme for the 2021 celebration is “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Every One’s Voice”.
