NAN-HG-15
HIV/AIDS
Calabar, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Lafarge Africa Plc, says it will partner with the Cross River Government in its fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.
The Country Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Mr Michel Puchercos, made the assertion in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Calabar.
He said that the company would also sponsor the commemoration of the “World AIDS Day’’ slated for Dec.1 in Calabar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations had in 1988 declared every Dec.1 as the World AIDS Day.
This is to honour AIDS victims and focus on issues surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
The theme is: “Hands Up for #HIV Prevention’’.
Puchercos said that the company was moved by the ravaging nature of the HIV/AIDS scourge on the affected people.
He said, “The threat to human existence by HIV/AIDS scourge since its discovery in 1981 has become so alarming that it behooves people-oriented governments, institutions and individuals to focus on curbing it.’’
Puchercos said that health and safety remain the top priority among the values in Lafarge Africa.
He said the company shared the concern that HIV/AIDS creates for humanity.
The Lafarge chief commended the Cross River Government for putting in much effort at preventing the spread of the scourge in the state.
NAN reports that there would be a procession to be led by Gov. Ben Ayade to commemorate the day, and would mark the official opening of activities for the 2016 Carnival Calabar. (NAN)
BEN/AK/GOK
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Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Olagoke Olatoye