From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State government has said it partnership with Caritas Nigeria has boosted the war against HIV/AIDS and tremendously suppressed the growth of the scourge.
The Commissioner for health, Dr Joe Osuji made this known in Umuahia during a meeting of stakeholders in healthcare industry Abia State, which was organised by Caritas Nigeria.
Dr Osuji, identifying Caritas as a key partner with the Okezie Ikpeazu government, pointed out that the entrance of Caritas into the State HIV/AIDS program 47 weeks ago, has brought a quantum leap in results targets.
The Health commissioner explained that several program implementation units have been created by his ministry while 180 medical officials have been trained to sustain the war against HIV/AIDS.
He added that functional medical facilities have been put in place by the ministry of health in various communities, especially the hinterlands of the 17 LGAs of the State.
“I am pleased to say that Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria has done excellently well within 14 months in the State. They have achieved treatment current of 48,0 288 (82.8% treatment saturation with 71% viral load coverage and 98% suppression rate.”
Abia State Director of public health and disease control, Dr Okwale Borke disclosed that prevalence HIV rate in the State is now down to 1.7 % from the previous 2.1% courtesy of Caritas and Abia State Government’s joint efforts.
The Director of State Action Against AIDS, Dr Ogbonna Ehiemere said his office is working assiduously with zonal coordinators from National Action and AIDS (NACA) in ensuring that Caritas programs in the State record more desired results.
Earlier, the executive director of Caritas Nigeria, Rev Fr Uche Obodoechina said his organization has been working for God and humanity, with support from the government of America and other international international organisations.
This is even as he said Caritas Nigeria has launched ACCESS project in Abia State to accelerate the war against HIV/AIDS for the next 5 years .
Rev Fr Obodoechina challenged leaders in Nigeria to work for the welfare of the people, assuring that the launching of ACCESS project by Caritas Nigeria would provide a sustained strategic implementation of the organization’s goals.
ACCESS project director of Caritas, Dr Amana Effiong explained that the ACCESS project which began in October, 2022 would run for years with accelerated efforts.
Dr Effiong assured that emphasis would be increased on provision of anti retroviral drugs, more free testing, HIV medical outreaches in hinterlands, training of more health workers, provision of test kits, and increased enlightenment campaigns.