Ogun, NGOs brainstorm to meet 90,90,90 initiatives on HIV/AIDS by 2020

The Ogun state Government in collaboration with Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria(IHVN), Catholic Cariyas Foundation of Nigeria/Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CCFN/CHAN) and Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative( AHNi) has joined forces to ensure total eradication of HIV/AIDS by 2020 and zero transmission by 2030 in the State through new strategy called 90,90,90 initiative.

Dr. Young Oluokun,     the IHVN, member, which is the leading partnership in the State,   disclosed   this to journalists recently, at a the two-day workshop by the   Ogun State HIV programme, State Implementation Team(SIT) stakeholders’ meeting, held at G.R.A Ibara Housing Estate in Abeokuta.

Dr. Oluokun said that at the World Conference on HIV/AIDS, it was agreed that by year 2020, 90 per cent of people are to be tested, 90 per cent of people tested positive should be placed on Anti-Ritroviral Drugs (ARD) and 90 per cent of people who are on ARD should achieved the stage of viral suppression called the U-NEED 90,90,90, adding that currently patients are usually placed on ARD that makes them live as long as 10 to 20 years.


 ‘’ New things that are coming up now that the rest of the wold is talking about is the 90,90,90 initiative agreed upon by the Wold Conference on HIV/AIDS, is that 90 per cent of people should be tested, 90 per cent tested positive be place on Anti-Ritroviral Drugs and 90 per cent place on ARD should achieve the stage of suppression called the U-NEED 90,90,90 and also to attain zero transmission by year 2030, which Nigeria has already key into,’’ Dr. Oluokun said.

While urging the State House of Assembly members to look into passing the stigmatization bill, Dr. Oluokun said another major challenges encountered was the low rate of staff strength across the health facilities in the State, saying that this was a threat that can drastically reduced the output of their mission in Ogun State.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Daisi Odeniyi, said the free HIV/AIDS counseling and testing activities conducted in some Local Government Areas of the State shows that Ifo has the highest number of positive patients, saying that with the help of the developmental partners collaborating with the State on issues concerning HIV/AIDS, we believe that the virus would be reduced to the bearest minmum.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director, State AIDS/STI Control Programme, Dr. Toyin Adeyemi, said the State has been more proactive with regards to eradicating HIV/AIDS among other diseases with the introduction of ARAYA Health Scheme, calling on well-meaning Nigerian and other developmental partners to join hands with the State Government in the campaign against the virus.

He said the present administration led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun is very much concerned with regards to health issues in the State, adding that the State is ready to partner with both foreign and local NGOs that would take the State to the next level on health related issues.

This story was published in Newswatch Times on October 22, 2015.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Information Frustrates Young Women From Using Family Planning

Image
BY CHIOMA UMEHA, Awareness and proper understanding of family planning has been recognised to reduce maternal death among young women of reproductive age between 15 and 49. Data on Sexual Reproductive Health outcomes in Nigeria stresses the importance of focusing on adolescents. At 576 maternal death per 1,000 live births, Nigeria accounts for 14 percent of the global burden of maternal mortality (NDHS 2013/WHO 2014). Global evidence shows that young girls bear a higher burden of maternal mortality and morbidity. Data shows that the average age at sexual debut is roughly 15 years of age among adolescent mothers in Nigeria. (NDHS 2003, 2008, 2013). The National adolescent fertility rate in Nigeria is 122 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. In the North Western States, it is as high as 171 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. To stem this, the government of Lagos State with support from partners and other donor agencies has put in place youth-friendly he
Read more

Nestle Takes Action To Promote Safe Food And Empowers Food Vendors

Image
By Umeha Ucheoma Ogun Photo:  Funmi Osineye, Manager, Nestlé Professional Nigeria, educating the participants on the use of MAGGI seasoning. The quality and cost of these items for consumers are two factors that experts advise food businesses to always take into consideration.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a balanced diet is important for both excellent nutrition and health, and it may also lengthen life.  A variety of chronic non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, can be prevented by eating a balanced diet, which also strengthens muscles, improves immunity, strengthens bones, and keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy. Sadly, in a low-income nation like Nigeria, the caterers, food sellers, canteens, and "bukkas" that cater to this market sector do not always receive the support they require to offer wholesome, affordable meals that may guarantee that their clients receive the nutrients needed for optimum health.  However,
Read more

SDGs: FG Approves Nigeria's Alliance For Youth

Image
By Ucheoma Umeha  Ogun L to R: Akinlonu Foluso, Director Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; Sunday Dare, Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development: Shakiru Lawal, Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, at the launch of Alliance for Youth Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has signed on to the initiative as a development partner to the alliance, recently. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern over Nigeria's rapidly growing population, claiming that the country is one of the few whose fertility is still increasing despite being the largest in Africa and ranking seventh globally. According to the United Nations 2022 World Population Day estimate, Nigeria's population will reach 216 million in 2022 at a pace of 3.2 percent annual growth.  According to Buhari, fertility depends on a young population, with over 72 percent of the population being under 30 years old and half of the female residents being between
Read more