The Wife of the Governor of Benue State, Mrs. Eunice Ortom Yesterday being 13th November 215 presented a keynote address at the occasion of free HIV Testing of 1,000 persons in one day in Benue State.
The event was organised by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in collaboration with Benue State AIDS Control Agency (BENSACA), and was carried out concurrently at different spots within the state.
Mrs. Ortom stated inter alia, "Our focus over the years has been "Getting to Zero", which implies, Zero Infections; Zero HIV related deaths to Zero Discrimination against persons with HIV. Let me inform you that Benue had the highest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, but due to dedicated concerted collaborative efforts by BENSACA and other partners, today, Benue is listed 9th among states in Nigeria. This indicates that something positive is happening in Benue State and it is our hope that with interventions from partners like the AHF Federation, we shall achieve the ideals and vision of "Getting to Zero".
It is worthy of note, to restate the fact that despite the global adoption of "Getting to Zero", more than 7000 people, according to WHO Report, are newly infected with HIV every day, therefore, a revolution in prevention politics, policies and practices is critically needed. This can be achieved by fostering political incentives for commitment and catalysing transformative social movements regarding sexuality, drug use and HIV education for all, led by people living with HIV and affected communities, women and young people. It is also critical to target epidemic hot spots, particularly in megacities, and to ensure equitable access to high-quality, cost-effective HIV prevention programmes that include rapid adoption of scientific breakthroughs."
The Executive Secretary, BENSACA, Mrs. Grace Ashiwende Wende informed the gathering that with the presence of the Wife of the Governor and her physical participation in the HIV Testing has giving the desired moral booster to engender the needed vigor in winning the war against HIV/AIDS.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Ortom is the Chairman of Board of Governors, BENSACA.
Mrs. Ortom stated inter alia, "Our focus over the years has been "Getting to Zero", which implies, Zero Infections; Zero HIV related deaths to Zero Discrimination against persons with HIV. Let me inform you that Benue had the highest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, but due to dedicated concerted collaborative efforts by BENSACA and other partners, today, Benue is listed 9th among states in Nigeria. This indicates that something positive is happening in Benue State and it is our hope that with interventions from partners like the AHF Federation, we shall achieve the ideals and vision of "Getting to Zero".
It is worthy of note, to restate the fact that despite the global adoption of "Getting to Zero", more than 7000 people, according to WHO Report, are newly infected with HIV every day, therefore, a revolution in prevention politics, policies and practices is critically needed. This can be achieved by fostering political incentives for commitment and catalysing transformative social movements regarding sexuality, drug use and HIV education for all, led by people living with HIV and affected communities, women and young people. It is also critical to target epidemic hot spots, particularly in megacities, and to ensure equitable access to high-quality, cost-effective HIV prevention programmes that include rapid adoption of scientific breakthroughs."
The Executive Secretary, BENSACA, Mrs. Grace Ashiwende Wende informed the gathering that with the presence of the Wife of the Governor and her physical participation in the HIV Testing has giving the desired moral booster to engender the needed vigor in winning the war against HIV/AIDS.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Ortom is the Chairman of Board of Governors, BENSACA.
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