Chevron takes HIV/AIDS campaign to varsities

November 7, 2006 :: James Sowole,Akure This Day ,Lagos

A disturbing picture of HIV/AIDS prevalence was painted yesterday by the Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr Fred Nelson, who said 5.6 per cent rates are highest for the young people of between the ages of 20 and 26.

Speaking during the launch of HIV/AIDS awareness programme at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nelson, who quoted the USAID statistics, said the disease spreads among the young than it does with adults.

Represented by the company's Representative in charge of Corporate Responsibility and Community Programme, Mrs Edith Ngene, the Managing Director said Nigeria's STD/HIV control estimates of over 60 per cent of new infections are in the 15-25 years old age group.

The MD said the statistical revelation required that the private sector must join hands with the government and Non-Governmental Organisations to focus on improving young people's knowledge and their attitude to sexual health.

Nelson said in recent past, the company launched similar campaigns in Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State, Delta State University, Abraka and the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

He added that the NNPC/ Chevron joint Venture has donated a sum of N2m to the Positive Action for Treatment Access (PATA), which is an NGO owned and run by People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Nelson said the donation is for revolving loan and skill acquisition schemes to help HIV positive women gain access to treatment and economic empowerment.

The MD promised the company would continue to commit substantial resources towards helping to improve healthcare in the areas where the company has operations.

He said apart from the programme on HIV/AIDS, the company has embarked on mass deworming programme, support for the handicapped, roll back malaria and many more in the company's tradition of care.

"In the riverine communities of the Western Niger Delta, we operate an innovative river boat clinic - a hospital that takes healthcare services to the doorstep of communities located along the canals of the region", Nelson said.