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December 1, 2023 Let Communities Lead in The War Against HIV/AIDS
IFMUYONEWS

Let Communities Lead in The War Against HIV/AIDS

Every year on December 1st, the world comes together to observe World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and commemorating the millions of lives lost to the pandemic. This year’s theme, “Let Communities Lead,” emphasizes the crucial role of communities in shaping the HIV response and achieving an AIDS-free world.

Nigeria has witnessed remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS in recent years. The HIV prevalence rate among adults aged 15-49 has declined from 5.8% in 2003 to 1.4% in 2021. Additionally, the number of people living with HIV on treatment has increased dramatically, from 500,000 in 2005 to 1.4 million in 2021.

These achievements stem from a concerted effort by the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and international partners. The government has increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs, expanded access to antiretroviral treatment, and implemented prevention campaigns. Civil society organizations have played a pivotal role in providing care and support to people living with HIV, advocating for their rights, and educating the public about HIV prevention. International partners have provided technical and financial support to the Nigerian government’s HIV/AIDS response.

Echoing the spirit of World AIDS Day, former President Muhammadu Buhari stated, “We must continue to fight for a world where everyone has access to the prevention, treatment, and care they need to live long and healthy lives.“

Despite the progress made, there are still significant challenges to overcome in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV continue to impede prevention efforts and access to care. The HIV prevalence rate among adolescents and young people remains higher than the national average. Moreover, there is a persistent need to expand access to HIV testing and treatment in rural areas.

Just as former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo aptly emphasized on last year’s occassion, “We must not let up in our efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. This is a fight that we must win.”

Minister of Health Prof. Ali Pate, recognizing the critical role of eliminating stigma, remarked, “Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. We must work together to break down these barriers.”

Executive Director of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Aliyu Gumel Gambo, highlighting the importance of empowering youth, stated, “We must empower Communities with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from HIV.”

World AIDS Day serves as an important occasion to reflect on the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to reaffirm our commitment to ending the pandemic. By working together, we can achieve a world where everyone has access to the prevention, treatment, and care they need to live long and healthy lives.

Written by Adebayo A. Samuel

October 31, 2023 Akwa Ibom State Plans Another Teaching Hospital To Improve Healthcare Service Delivery
IFMUYONEWS

Akwa Ibom State Plans Another Teaching Hospital To Improve Healthcare Service Delivery

Governor of Akwa Ibom State , Pst. Umo Eno has revealed his administration’s plan to establish another teaching hospital in the state.

He said work on the completion of the medical facility which is located in Onna Local Government Area of state is being intensified.

The governor stated this on Monday while interacting with the management of the University of Uyo Teaching  Hospital (UUTH) who were on a courtesy visit to his office.

He said,  “The state is preparing to establish its teaching hospital and we are working very hard to see if we can give you respite by having two teaching hospitals.

“The beauty of it is that it will complement the services of UUTH and since doctors are not many. You will be the ones to consult for us and we will always come calling for your assistance to help us.”

He said his administration has improved healthcare services by revamping the primary healthcare sector for efficiency, amongst others across the state.

The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof Emem Bassey, expressed optimism that as a successful entrepreneur, he hopes the governor would bring his wealth of experience to bear in piloting the state’s affairs to more gains.

He commended Eno for the priority given to the health sector in his A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint and stated the willingness of UUTH to partner with the administration in its quest to deliver on the agenda.

Bassey listed the challenges of UUTH to include a dearth of infrastructure, power generation, inadequate manpower, and poor funding, among others.

He explained that despite the setbacks, UUTH has recorded tremendous strides in the area of renovation and construction of new buildings, services delivery, setting up of the accident and emergency unit and others.

October 17, 2023 NDLEA Takes War-Against-Drugs to Motor Parks
IFMUYONEWS

NDLEA Takes War-Against-Drugs to Motor Parks

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it had intensified sensitisation programmes at motor parks and strengthened collaboration with NURTW, particularly in sharing of information.

Kabir Tsakuwa, Commander of Narcotics, (CN) NDLEA, FCT Command, said this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Tsakuwa said that the support of transport union members at one of the motor parks recently, led to an interception of large consignment of tramadol and other drugs.

He, however, said that suspects in connection to the siezed drugs were arrested, adding that they had already been charged to court.

According to him, NDLEA maintains sustainable raid operations not only at motor parks and road sides, but all the identified black spots within FCT and its environments where drug activities are noticed.

“The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and suburbs particularly, are as well raided at all times to dislodge all criminals who may want to take advantage of the locations.

“The record of arrest and seizures this year so far is a clear indication of the work being done day and night within the FCT and its environs, ” he said.

Tsakuwa said that the NDLEA had created operational outpost in some motor parks and other places like Apo, Wuse Zone 4, Area 1 Park, Torabora, Banex, Gwarimpa, Jabi, and Karu Abattoir.

He said that the places were some of the areas where drug activities were relatively high within the FCT.

“Effort is ongoing to create more outpost as directed by the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, ” he said.

The NDLEA boss said that the command had created special squads that worked round the clock to deal with actionable intelligence in real time.

This, he said, would be with a view to curbing illicit drug activities through dislodgement of notorious drug joints and offenders.

According to him, as a command, NDLEA also leverage on the existing relationship with the communities to assist with reasonable information within their territory and locality.

“Additionally, the command collaborates with all security agencies in the FCT, where we share information and security concerns among the heads.

” We carry out joint operations with membership drawn from Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Military, NAF, Navy, DSS, NIS and NSCDC.

“The team is formed at the instance of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) where criminal hide outs are continuously dislodged, ” he said.

October 13, 2023 AIDS Healthcare Foundation Advocates Provision of Sanitary Pad Banks in Schools
IFMUYONEWS

AIDS Healthcare Foundation Advocates Provision of Sanitary Pad Banks in Schools

The Akwa Ibom State commissioner for women Affairs and social welfare, Dr INI ADIAKPAN has stated that the girl child is very important in the society, describing her as the mother of the future.

She made this statement during her presentation as the special guest of honour in an event organized by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).

ADIAKPAN commended AHF for implementing and supporting the projects, noting that the sensitization programme has underscored the value of the girl child in the society.

 

 

She urged the children to take advantage of the opportunity to learn skills and be motivated to become better citizens of the society in spite of the challenges they face.

The two-day programme which highlighted the theme; Amplify Her Voice” was organised for students of The Model Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo to commemorate the International Day of the girl child.

On his part, the AHF Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Mr STEVE ABORISHADE said as part of efforts to sustain the development and follow-up the outcome, a sanitary club as well as a sanitary pad bank will be provided for every girl in the school to maintain effective menstrual hygiene.

 

 

The commissioner for Information and strategy, Comrade INI EMEMOBONG who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Mrs. EUNICE EGHAREVBA charged the girls to prioritize capacity building, adding that a girl is worthy to be heard when she has something to say.

Highlight of the programme was the distribution of packs of sanitary towels to all the girl students who were participants at the programme.

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