HIV/AIDS Menace In Rivers Worries Speaker

The Speaker Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Ezekiel Harry has expressed concern over the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state. Consequently, he has promised to support any organization involved in the fight against the endemic disease.

Speaking during a solidarity visit to him by the Degema/Usokun Nurses Association in his office Tuesday, Harry pledged to support the association in its bid to organize a two-day health outreach to sensitize communities in the area of HIV/AIDS and the utilization of health facilities.

Harry who thanked them for the visit expressed delight for the association’s proposal to embark on the health enlightenment programme, stating that all hands must be on deck to combat HIV/AIDS endemic disease.

Earlier, the President of the Degema/Usokun Nurses Association, Mrs Mercy Fiddo had informed the Speaker that her association intends to organize a two-day health outreach programme from October 29 at Degema Town,  Obuama and Usokun in Degema local government area to sensitize the communities on health issues such as HIV/AIDS and the utilization of the health facilities in the area.

Mrs Fiddo said the outreach will cover enlightenment campaign, health education and sexual health information, consultation and treatment of minor aliment and counseling as well as free testing on HIV/AIDS.

She praised the leadership role of the Speaker while he was the President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, stating that her association is solidly behind him in his future endeavour. She also solicited the Speaker’s support towards her association’s programme estimated to cost N2 million. Among the delegation was Dr. Osumeabo Sam Dabere (KSC), a Chief Medical Officer, Braithwaite Memorial Special Hospital, Port Harcourt.

Grace Nwaimo