Dickson Inaugurates HIV/AIDS Agency

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, has inaugurated an agency to help reduce the prevalence  of HIV/AIDS in the State with a charge to them to carry out full-blown awareness and education advocacy programmes in all nooks and crannies of the state.

Expressing concern over the soaring prevalence rate of the disease, Governor Dickson said the future of Bayelsa will be endangered if drastic steps are not taken now to fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state.

“I got a shocking report as to the level of prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state. Going by the last census exercise our population ranks among the least in the country. You therefore can imagine the danger that we face with close to ten percent of our population already infected. And as the numbers are growing, the casualties are increasing day by day so, we cannot delay our response as a government and as a people’’ he said.

The governor called on Bayelsans to review their lifestyles by making health safety consciousness their watchword.

While stressing his administration’s commitment to fast tracking infrastructural development in the state, Hon Dickson pointed out that governments purpose for doing so will be defeated if the people fail to live healthy lifestyles.

The governor specifically charged the agency to embark on aggressive sensitization campaigns in all educational and religious institutions in the state to enable the people know the dangers associated with HIV/AIDS.

While assuring the agency of government’s support, Hon. Dickson noted that its effectiveness will be measured by the rate of reduction of the disease in the state.

Responding, the Director General of the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Temple Iluma corroborated the concern expressed by the Governor.

He said given the population of Bayelsa, the infection level of the state has been put in a “code red” situation.

Dr. Iluma, who thanked Governor Dickson for his tenacity and commitment towards the fight against HIV/AIDS right from his days in the House of Representatives, also urged Bayelsans to modify their sexual behavior.

Other officers of the agency include Dr. Stone Jones, director of Programmes and policy, Mr. Willie Oyadongha, Director Finance and Administration and Mr. Ileimokumo Ogrigade,