Officer Urges Early Detection Of HIV Virus

An Officer on prevention
of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS in Rivers State Ministry of Health, Mrs Francis Idoniboye-Obu says early detection of the virus is a panacea to checking the spread of Mother-to-child transmission.
Mrs Idoniboye-Obu, who is the vocal person in the ministry told Journalists Alliance for the Prevention of mother-to- Child of HIV in Nigeria (JAPIN), during an advocacy visit to Treasure 98.5FM in Port Harcourt.
The vocal person explained that Rivers ranks high in HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country noted that the state records about 150 infections yearly and called for pragmatic steps to be taken to check the spread of the disease.
She remarked that early detection of the virus is the only way to prevent transmission from mother to the unborn child and urged couples to show concern by undertaking tests for the betterment of their family.
The PMTCT officer commended members of JAPIN for their sacrifice and determination towards creating adequate awareness to Rivers People, pointing out that the jingle produced by the body had been approved by the Ministry of Health.
Earlier, the state coordinator of JAPIN, Mr Soibi Max-Alalibo, said the organization was concerned about creating enough awareness to the people of the state to prevent the transmission of mother-to-child.
Alalibo, urged expectant mothers to access medical facilities nearest to them early enough by registering for Anti Natal Care, noting that JAPIN has produced Jingles as part of its enlightenment campaign programme and solicited the collaboration of the Radio Station  wide coverage to propagate the message.
He said JAPIN has visited organizations, institutions and establishments to spread the message and prevent the virus from infecting innocent children and lauded the management of the Radio Station for permitting the advocacy visit.
Responding, the General Manager of Treasure FM, Mrs Gina Daka-Osika assured that her station would always identity with organizations that seek the wellbeing of the people, noting that the station is interested in uplifting the people and uniting the nation.
She promised to partner with JAPIN to do all that is necessary to eradicate mother –to-child Transmission (MTCT) of the HIV virus come 2015, adding  that members of JAPIN should use their privilege position as journalists to drive the process by ensuring that the Ministry of Health plays its strategic role of making health care accessible.