Despite the seeming perception of a diminishing spread of HIV/AIDS with the advent of new viruses, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has warned that the scourge remains dangerous to humans, is incurable and still prevalent in Nigeria.
At an event to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day in Agbor, Delta State, the commission held a sensitization programme on creating awareness on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and measures for its prevention and control.
Organised in collaboration with Gibert Hill Foundation, the programme had the theme: “Take the right paths: My health, my right.”
Warning against the thinking that the dangers of HIV/AIDS are diminishing, Dr. Usama Ejiro of the Delta State Ministry of Health, said HIV/AIDS remains a dangerous and life threatening disease that is still actively spreading in communities.
However, she noted that the spread can be prevented and controlled through enlightenment campaigns, safety measures and proper health management control.
Dr. Ejiro said the need for individuals to understand their HIV/AIDS status has become very necessary as that would help them to know their health condition.
Also speaking, Delta State’s representative at the commission, Mrs. Irene Emowodia, said the essence of the awareness campaign is to educate the people on the need to know their health status.
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“The HIV/AIDS sensitization exercise is in line with the vision to eradicate the spread of the deadly disease in the society,” she said.
Mrs. Emowodia pledged that the NDDC will continue to prioritize the welfare of the people in the region by ensuring that they live and enjoy a conducive, healthy and safe region.
Mrs Grace Alekwe of the Department of Community Health, Ika South Local Government Councilz who spoke on the advantages of family planning and birth control in the society, told participants at the programme to understand the need for child spacing and birth control in a modern society.
The sensitization programme was followed with a free medical testing for HIV/AIDS and was part of the commission’s efforts to carry out community sensitization and screening exercise in the Niger Delta region.
