Rivers Community Records 7.2% HIV Prevalence

Ogbogu Community in Egi Clan of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has recorded a ratio of 7.2% prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
The statistics was revealed after a HIV test conducted by the Universal Medicare Foundation (MMF) during a one week free Health Care Programme sponsed by NNPC/TEPNG joint venture in Partnership with the foundation at Ogbogu Cottage Hospital built by Total for OML 58 Communities.
According to the Chief Medical Director of the Universal Medicare Foundation, Prof. Oseikhnemen Ejeke, out of 69 people that went through the HIV screening test, 59 tested positive, noting that the figure represents a remarkable difference from the national prevalence rate of 4.1%.
Prof. Ejeke said the statistics indicate that the community was at risk of increase in cases of HIV/AIDS and called for proper awareness campaign on the disease to stem the scourge.
He said those living with HIV/AIDS should go for regular medical check to enhance their living standard, and appealed to the community to take advantage of the free Healthcare Programme provided by Total to improve their health condition.
He further disclosed that 1,135 Patients have received treatment in the free health care programme, but the target is for 6,000 patients.
Recent statistics on HIV/AIDS also show that Nigeria generally has 4.1% ratio in HIV/AIDS prevalence, while Rivers State has a ratio of 6.0%.
Commenting on the development, the Director of Primary health Care in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local government Area, Dr. Nyarairo Ekanem, decried the high rate of HIV/AIDS in the area and emphasised the need for full utilization of primary Health care services and the free medicare policy of the Rivers State Government.
Dr. Ekanem commended Total for its initiative and called for stronger partnership between Total and the Rivers State Government in the provision of good medicare for the people.
In his remark, the Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt district, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Nicholas Brunet, said the free health care programme was one of many efforts of the joint venture at reaching out to critical needs of its host communities.
He said the free Health care programme which was sustainable, was recording its 11th edition with the commissioning of a new Cottage hospital built by Total in Ogbogu Community.