NIGERIA HIV/AIDS NEWS
'Stop Stigmatising People Living with HIV/AIDS- Senate President
March 16, 2010
Senate President David Mark has warned against stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). He also commended the Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) for its commitment in fighting the pandemic in the country.
Mark stated this weekend while receiving top management of the institute in his office led by the Chief of Party/Country Director, Dr. Patrick Dakum.
Both Mark and chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Sen. Joy Emordi identified education as a critical factor in fighting HIV/AIDS, noting that the fear of stigmatization and discrimination has discouraged voluntary testing and assessing of drugs by patients.
Mark commended IHVN for its coverage and efforts to reduce the scourge of the disease and promised to provide assistance in any way possible, emphasizing Federal Government’s commitment to the battle to stem the spread of the disease through the establishment of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
Speaking earlier, Dakum said IHVN is expanding its activities in the country and mentioned particularly the Senate President’s senatorial district where General Hospital, Otukpo has been receiving supports through its AIDS Care and Treatment in Nigeria (ACTION) Project, extending the supports to General Hospitals at Ugbokpo anda Wannune and Comprehensive Health Care Centers in Ijadogah and Ugbokpo.
Besides, Dakum revealed that the agency is providing care and support to 5,178 people living with HIV/AIDS, and has provided 16,338 people with HIV counseling and testing services.
For More Information: http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=168715
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