From: Gyang Bere, Jos
Executive Director of Plateau State HIV/AIDS Control Agency (PLACA), Mr. Sunday Koka, said the Agency trained and empowered over 2000 indigents women living with HIV/AIDS in 16 months.
Dr. Koka stated this, on Monday, during the empowerment of 50 women living with HIV/AIDS in collaboration with the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Rufina Gurumyen.
The Executive Director who was represented by Director of Partnership Coordination and Community Mobilization Officer, Mrs. Martha Swomen, lamented how women infected with HIV/AIDS are marginalised and stigmatised in the society.
“We have numerous women who are dying slowly in sorrow, pains and anguish due to how they have been neglected by their husbands because they are positive. Some have lost their husbands living them with children to carter for.”
Mrs. Jenifer Joseph who lost her husband in 2003 to the scourge of HIV/AIDS, said she had nobody to carter for her two children who were still young until the intervention of one of the family member who is now paying their school fees.
The 33-year-old Jenifer who was trained in tailoring appreciated Plateau State Government for the training and donation the sawing materials and pledge to take advantage of the skills to become self employ.
Commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs. Rufina Gurumyen, said government spent over N15, 000 to purchase equipments and tools presented to the victims.
She donated computer set, sawing machines and necessary materials for a functional catering organisation, netting, and Shoe making to the indigents women.