The Task of Combating HIV/AIDS
- By Super Admin
- Published 07/4/2008
- Speeches
- Unrated
PROTOCOLS:
I am happy to address you today on this historic occasion of the launching of the Nasarawa State Chapter of the National Women Coalition on HIV/AIDS (NAWOCA).
People living with HIV/AIDS have a wide range of care and support needs. These include psycho-social support as well as treatment for infectious diseases like Tuberculosis and Malaria. However, the vast majority of our people do not have access to such services. Reaching out to them is therefore a task that we must consider a priority.
It is important for me at this juncture, to state that in furtherance of our 13-point agenda, this Administration has initiated some programmes to address the challenges of people living with HIV/AIDS in the State. Amongst the measures which we have initiated are:
- The provision of free anti-retroviral treatment for those infected with HIV/AIDS;
- The establishment of confidential counselling and testing centres at various locations;
- Regular support to Non-Governmental Organisations engaged in HIV/AIDS activities in the State;
- Establishment of 58 multi-purpose Primary Health Care Centres in our rural areas as the basic unit of healthcare delivery. The features of each of these centres include a delivery room, well equipped laboratory and solar powered panels as sources of electricity and portable borehole water for use in the clinic, as well as the neighbourhood.
Today’s launching of NAWOCA in the State is therefore a step in the right direction. It is also an encouraging development and hope for People Living with HIV/AIDS in our midst.
It may interest this gathering to know that while awaiting full implementation of the recommendations of our Health Sector Assessment Committee, the Office of the Wife of the Governor of Nasarawa State, in collaboration with the State Government, has concluded arrangements to establish a modern, functional and well equipped Centre for Breast and Cervical Cancers in the State. The Centre shall, In Sha Allah, be made functional before the end of this month. It shall provide early detection and management opportunities for women and girls who suffer from these ailments. Let me therefore urge all our women and girls to make the best use of this facility to check the devastating effects of these dreaded killer diseases.
The fundamental place of adequate food in healthcare cannot be overemphasised. To demonstrate the concern of this Administration for the plight of families affected by the prevailing rise in food prices nationwide, and its negative effects on the life and health of the less privileged, the State Government has purchased grains worth over N50m for sale at 50% subsidy throughout the State. A directive to this effect has already been given to the distribution committees. The Committees are also to give priority attention to women during the sale of the grains. This gesture is based on our belief that women are those who bear the brunt at difficult times like this.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I cannot end this address without once again appreciating the efforts of my wife, Hajiya Raliyatu Aliyu Akwe Doma, for her efforts in organising today’s launching of the Nasarawa State Chapter of NAWOCA. I would also like to thank the members of the Advisory and Technical Committees of NAWOCA and all those who contributed in one way or the other in making this occasion the success that it has been.
I must specially thank all the women of Nasarawa State for the support and understanding which they have provided to me and my Administration in the past one year. It is my hope that this spirit of cooperation and understanding will continue to be demonstrated in the years ahead.
Thank you and God bless.
