CONTAINING THE SPREAD OF HIV AND AIDS

BY
UMMI BUKAR

Throughout the course of time, man has been battle different diseases; however none have been quite as destructive and ravaging as HIV/AIDS. All over the world, the virus has continued to be responsible for millions of death, and has destroyed countless lives; Africa in particular has recorded the highest casualty. Though HIV prevalence is relatively low in Nigeria, when compared with other African countries, however the nation has not rested on its oars to curtail its spread since the case was first reported in Nigeria in the eighties. It is safe to say that there has never been a disease that has received wide publicity as HIV/AIDS, with adverts over newspaper and televisions, as well as jingles on radio, all geared towards informing people about ways of preventing its spread.
However, despite all the efforts, by the Nigerian government, the media and other non governmental organizations, to curb the spread of HIV in the country, it seems the virus is still very much an issue. Only last year, almost two hundred and fifty deaths were attributed to HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, and records indicate that Nigeria accounts for almost ten percent of the global HIV burden. In 2009, just about thirty percent of HIV patients received treatment for lack of sufficient resources. Although, the government had made available antiretroviral drugs at centres all over the country, many people living with HIV do not go for treatment either because of lack of access to those centres, ignorance or utter negligence. There is therefore the need for greater involvement of Nigerians in efforts to make anti-retroviral drugs available. At the moment most of the drugs are being subsidized by government and international bodies. Nigerians need to collaborate with them to ensure easy availability.

Perhaps it is time to spread a new message as it appears that people living with the virus, particularly in the rural areas, have given up hope. The issue of stigma is another challenge as those tested positive still live in denial. Consequently, they deny themselves the opportunity of getting help. The stigma associated with HIV needs to be seriously addressed. People living with HIV particularly in the rural areas need to be educated so that they can still live a productive life if they take their drugs regularly. This is because inconsistent dosage can increase the risk of HIV becoming resistant to the drugs thereby supporting the process of becoming a full blown AID. The organs of government responsible for HIV and AIDS must also be more alive to its responsibility. They must ensure transparent use of resources available. Government Policies aimed at making the workshop place convenient for those with HIV and AIDS also need to be strengthened. As a nation, we cannot afford to relax our effort in the fight against HIV, we need to encourage and support those living with the virus.

Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary

ON THE LAUNCHING OF THE PDP PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN THE NASARAWA STATE .

BY
TIMOTHY ANJIDE

On Monday, February 7th 2011, Nasarawa State was honoured to host, President Goodluck Jonathan and his entourage. Mr President and his entourage were in Lafia, the state capital to flag off the 2011 Presidential Election Campaign in the six geo-political zones, which began in the North Central Zone. The Government and People of Nasarawa State sincerely appreciate the singular honour of providing the venue for the commencement of the Presidential Election Campaign and hosting the President for the second time in two months. The State cherishes the existing cordial bond of solidarity and partnership with Mr President and the Federal Government which was vividly demonstrated by the warm and enthusiastic welcome extended to the Presidential Entourage during the visit. Such a joyous reception was also in appreciation of the many benefits derived from the partnership which the state Government pledges to maintain. The isolated incident along the route from the Palace of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai, the first, when the President paid him courtesy visit is however regretted. It was evidently perpetrated by a few misguided miscreants to embarrass the Nasarawa State Government. While immediate action was taken by law enforcement agents to nip their mischief in the bud, thorough investigations to uncover and apprehend the culprits and their sponsors are ongoing. The Nasarawa State Government wishes to offer its sincere apologies to Mr President and his entourage for the misconduct experienced. The overall success and the peaceful launch of the Presidential Election Campaign flag off signified the failure of the mission of the detractors of Government. In the meantime, the State Government reassures the people that it remains alive to its responsibility to protect lives and property, as well as, maintain law and order at all times. Security agents in the state have been charged to be more vigilant in the discharge of their duties. All transgressors would be brought to book without fear or favour, as no one is above the law. The State Government seizes this opportunity to urge members of the public, especially the political class in the state, to desist from acts capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the State. Parents are urged to take proper care of their children and wards and to guard against their involvement in any unlawful activity that could endanger their lives and tarnish the reputation of their families and communities. Traditional rulers and other community leaders are also enjoined to support this endeavour in their positions as fathers of the people. The State Government further regrets the loss of lives and destruction of property occasioned by the actions of the miscreants. All hands must be on deck towards ensuring the victory of all PDP candidates, especially the Aliyu Akwe Doma Governorship and the Goodluck/Sambo Presidential tickets.

Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary