Posted by VINCENT ADEKOYE, Benin on
AT least 90 persons are being diagnosed of the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) in Edo State daily.
AT least 90 persons are being diagnosed of the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) in Edo State daily.
State Commissioner for Health, Mr. Godwin Ovbiagele who made the shocking revelation said carriers include women who report for ante-natal clinic in government and privately owned hospitals as well as those who offer themselves voluntarily for screening by the Ministry of health.
His disclosure of the rising prevalence of HIV came even as the state government commenced free distribution of Anti-Retrovival Drugs (ARD) as well as food to all HIV positive people in the state.
Mr Ovbiagele, was addressing journalists on efforts made so far by the state government to curtail HIV/AIDS scourge.
The press conference was jointly addressed by the office of the wife of the state governor, Mrs Eki Igbinedion and officials of Edo Ladies Advisory Group, a non-governmental organisation, comprising of indigenes of the state, residing in Lagos.
According to Mr Ovbiagele, intensive awareness campaign by the state Ministry of Health has motivated people to heed to call for voluntary HIV/AIDS test at the various centres in the state.
"I want to tell you that our state is the first in the country where, people as a result of the awareness already created and that myth had been removed from the issue of HIV/AIDS. People now come out to voluntarily carry out test to determine their status and one our own part, the state government, in line with the determination to give the victims hope, have commenced the provision of free ARD and other essential meals for them. I think we record about 90 of such cases everyday in our hospitals".
"This is because with good medication and adequate food, people living with HIV/AIDS can live a normal life and we have continued to say it that anyone that come and is found to be positive shall continue to receive free ARD and food from the Edo State government" he said.
Speaking also, Chairman, Health Committee of the Edo Ladies Advisory, Mrs. Rita Oguntoyibo disclosed that the group shall carry out free medical test and other services on all indigenes of the state free as well as distribute drugs to them.