Foundation task parliamentarians on preventive measures of HIV/AIDS

Foundation task parliamentarians on preventive measures of HIV/AIDS
By Talatu Maiwada
Advocates
Abuja, March 21, 2018 (NAN) AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF) has called on lawmakers to be advocates of HIV and AIDS preventive measures in their respective constituencies.
Mr Steve Aborisade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF, made the appeal during a presentation of condoms and condom dispensers at the National Assembly on Wednesday in Abuja.
Aborisade said the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensuring that the epidemic ended by 2030 going by UNAIDS global vision must be championed by the parliamentarians.
He noted that the need to engage the parliamentarians was crucial as they represented various constituencies across the country with policies and programmes designed to impact on the lives of citizens.
He said treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS through the use of condoms must be put into consideration as cases of new infection of the scourge among the young population were been recorded.
“The foundation promotes condom use among adults because the rate of new infection is still high among young people.
“Many of our youths are sexually active, with multiple sex partners and some of them do not use condoms.
“AHF wants Nigerians to embrace the use of condoms, the challenge we have of HIV is of treatment and prevention, if the adult population use condoms we will definitely prevent new infections.
“That is why we are donating condom dispensers and condoms as a symbol to show our commitment to the prevention and end of the virus in our country,’’ he said.
Aborisade also urged the legislators to make policies that would ensure people had access to free condoms or at a subsidised rate to prevent infections, unwanted pregnancies and other sexually transmitted diseases.
He added that the partnership between the foundation and parliamentarians would involve designing programmes on stigma and discrimination, testing, sensitisation, access to treatment of HIV and AIDS and prevention.
Rep Davematics Ombugadu, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, commended the foundation on its effort in bridging the gap of HIV and AIDS response in the country.
Ombugadu, member representing Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon /Wamba, further reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to end AIDS by 2030, according to UNAIDS global vision 90-90-90.
He pledged the committee’s readiness to partner and support the programme in states and local government areas across the county.
Also speaking, Rep. Peter Akpatason, Chairman, House Committee on Civil Society Organisations and Development Partners, commended the foundation on its willingness to work with parliamentarians in rural communities.
“It is encouraging for organisations to partner with the government in bridging the gap that had existed in the area of HIV and AIDS in the country due to inadequate resources and manpower.
“We are impressed at their willingness to support Nigerians especially those in rural communities that are not privileged to access such services.
“I am willing to work with the foundation at our rural communities of Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency of Edo State which I represent,’’ he said.
Highlight of the event included presentation of various brands of condoms and condom dispensers located at various parts of the National Assembly Complex.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that AHF is the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS organisation in the world, which provides healthcare to more than 800,000 patients in 38 countries.
AHF Nigeria had been operating in the country since 2011 and presently operating in six states across the country.
The states Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Nasarawa and Kogi as well the FCT-Abuja. (NAN)
TIM/GOM/MST
Edited by Gregory Mmadukolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola