By Chukwudi Nwauba :
Anambra Health Commissioner, Dr. Adam Obidike has advocated for collective action towards prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the state
According to him, prevention of HIV is a task that must be accomplished in the state.
The commissioner said this during a two-day stakeholders meeting organized by the State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA) in Awka.
He emphasised that HIV prevention is a task that must be accomplished and sustained noting that the pattern of transmission of the disease has made its prevention a bit difficult.
Dr. Obidike reiterated that the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is determined to give Ndi Anambra the best of medical services in all ramifications.
“Those working in the HIV prevention field should do more to ensure that the transmission of the disease is drastically reduced in the state.’’
The commissioner was represented by the Director of Public Health/Diseases Control, Dr. Afam Anaeme.
Executive Director, Anambra State Aids Control Agency, Mr. Johnbosco Ementa said that the meeting was for the stakeholders to brainstorm, share ideas on how best for them to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently.
Mr. Ementa noted that Anambra is the fifth highest in Nigeria in terms of HIV transmission among people under the ages of 15 to 49years.
According to him, his agency is working tirelessly to ensure its reduction and plans are also underway to domestic the 2014 HIV Anti Stigma Bill in the state.
One of the participants, Mr. Franklyn Atogwu described the meeting as crucial, it afforded them the opportunity to interact, share knowledge and challenges with a view to addressing them.
