Groups Advocate Budget For HIV/AIDS

By
 Chinyere Abiaziem
In order to curb the spread of Human Immune Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Virus (AIDS) in Nigeria, Youth and Empowerment Development Initiative (YEDI) has urged government at all level to allocate substantial funds in its budget for the disease.
YEDI during a briefing to commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day in collaboration with National Youth Network on HIV/AIDS (NYNETHA) Lagos lamented that funds that are presently available in the country are mostly from foreign donors.
At the programme which had the support of Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), the group asserted that the Nigerian government is paying less attention in arresting the killer disease.
According to them if nothing is done more people would become victims particularly youth thereby leaving the nation in great danger.
Celebrating its outreach impact in providing free HIV testing services to 5,000 people at the grassroots via novelty health football match, the group also called for bridging of gap in the access of  youth-friendly services.
It frowned at the unfriendliness of health providers in public hospitals.
“Government at all level should have budget of HIV/AIDS. The current help is from white donors and they might leave one day… There is the need to bridge the access gap between the youths and public hospitals.
“Young people do not have access to youth-friendly services provided by public hospitals because of stigmatisation. We thereby call on the government to ensure the youth access friendly services in our public hospitals,” Mr. Isaac Moses, General Secretary of NYNETHA stated.
Corroborating Moses, Mr. Babamole Olanrewaju, State Coordinator of NYNETHA, said it is high time government and individuals targeted drastic intervention in responding to the epidemic.
“Studies indicate that earlier detection and treatment brings to minimal the risk of transmission to others. Services should be provided as well as the right information at the community level,” Olanrewaju further said.
On her part Tomisin Adeoye, YEDI’s head of programme said in line with this year’s theme for HIV/AIDS Day: “My Health, My Right” that it is essential that all Nigerians living with HIV have access to ARV as the disease is not the end of life if properly managed and dictated earlier.
She added that YEDI is committed to providing health information, access and treatment to the underserved while empowering the youth with holistic approaches.



 

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

PSN President Commissions ACPN National Secretariat

Image
Chioma Umeha History was made among the community pharmacists recently, as the national body of the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN) inaugurated its National Secretariat at Ikeja, Lagos State. The event was graced by many notable personalities in the pharmaceutical sector including, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, the president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) who commissioned the befitting edifice. Other notable guests at the event were – Dr. UNO Uwaga, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for ACPN; Pharm. Bukky George, the Managing Director of Healthplus, among many former presidents of different pharmaceutical bodies. Pharm. Yakasai stated that it was a thing of joy for him to see this development come to light. He said that he is ‘a proud father’ as the inauguration of the building was a “testimony of when you have a proud son who can carry out directives.” He described the secretariat as “A home for all pharmacists across board.”
Read more