RIVSACA Evolves New Strategies On HIV/AIDS

Rivers State Agency for
the Control of AIDS (RIVSACA), has evolved new strategies that will strengthen the agency to effectively address the HIV prevalence in the state.
Briefing newsmen at the end of a retreat by members of the board, the chairman of the Press Briefing Committee, Mr Oliver Wolugbom, said this is necessary due to the increase in the level of HIV cases in the state.
Mr Wolugbom, who is also the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Rivers State, said the board will “conduct a state wide mapping of all hot spots where Female Sex Workers (FSW), men who have sex with the men (MSM), and Intravenous Dry Users (IDU), operate”.
He explained that the mapping would help in reaching these groups at high risk infection, with high quality prevention treatment services to reduce further infection.
Wolugbom stated that the board also resolved to conduct a survey of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the 23 local government areas of the state to determine their needs and plan for them.
He also said a sentient, survey would be conducted to ascertain the current infection rate saying that the last survey was done in 2010.
The plan according to Wolugbom is to span a six month period and its expected to cost the agency N101,000,000 (One hundred and one million)naira.
He expressed regret that at a prevalence rate of 6.0 per cent, Rivers State is rated among states with the highest prevalence adding that the figure represents 70 per cent of the HIV burden in the state.
Infection rate, he said, was highest amongst youths, FSWs and MSMs in the state and called for a behaviour change.

Tonye Nria-Dappa