Eyiba Blames HIV/AIDS Prevalence On Poor Campaign

The Rivers State Commissioner for Local Government  Affairs, Prince Samuel Eyiba has blamed the high level of HIV/Aids in the state on the reduction of awareness campaign on the disease in the rural  communities.

He spoke at the occasion of advocacy on ownership and sustainability of local government community HIV/AIDS response for executive chairmen  and directors of local  Government administration in the State recently in Port Harcourt.

Eyiba, said the poor awareness  call against the disease was  responsible for the recent rise of six per cent HIV prevalence level, which according  to him, is higher than the national average of four per cent.

The Commissioner recalled that HIV/AIDS, have so far threatened the health and security of all nations, including the state, local government and communities.

He expressed hope that the meeting will re-awaken  the awareness among concerned bodies, saying that they will be moved to carryout  the  campaign in a renewed vigor.

Meanwhile, a commique  signed by the Gokana Local Government Chairman on behalf of the concerned group, said that all Local Government Areas should set up LACA in their various areas, using National guidelines.

It also mandated the LGAs to have a budget line  for  LACA in their annual budgets, while the LG Chairmen should also serve as LACA Chairmen in their respective LGAs.

Furthermore, it directed all LG bosses to issue appointment letters to LACA Committee to ensure that they are committed to their duties.

There will be also a situational analysis  of the HIV/AID burden on the LGA, using the findings to develop a three year strategic plan on the disease within the local government councils.

Earlier, it was said that traditional and religious leaders, as well as women, youth and others will be engaged as critical stakeholders at the community level in order to elicit appropriate community ownership.