As part of its commitment toward combating the spread of HIV/AIDS in the society, Total Group of companies, Total Up steam Companies in Nigeria and Total E&P Nigeria have donated Hitech screening machines, condoms and other materials to the Omoku General Hospital in Rivers State.
In a joint statement signed by the managing Director/Chief Executive, Total Upstream companies in Nigeria, Elisabet Proust, and Managing Director Total Nigeria Plc, Alexis Vouk, said the company’s fight against HIV/AIDS is a fight to protect Nigeria, Total’s host communities, employees, families and organization.
The speech which was read on behalf of the duo by the Deputy General Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Deep Water Total Upstream, Dr. Mrs Nkoyo Attah, stated that, “this fight has been adopted by the Total Group world-wide as an essential component of our Group’s Sustainable Development Policy, and as such is fully integrated into our global strategy”, noting that prevention remains the best way to approach HIV/AIDS because it is less expensive and less complicated than cure.
“We are supporting government’s efforts in addressing HIV challenges in Nigeria in tandem with the National Strategic framework (NSF) 2005-2009″, it said and called on other organizations to show concern as neither government alone nor any individual organization could do it alone.
It explained that, in consonance with international best practices, an extended dimension which included HIV/AIDS – related illnesses like Tuberculosis, Hepatitis-B and malaria was initiated with the aim of ensuring a more comprehensive wellness.
It amitained that the current campaign brings advanced HIV/AIDS screening to the grassroots in Rivers State, remarking that such gesture was extended to Edo, and Abia States bringing to 18 the number of States that have benefitted from the programme since inception in 2006.
Apart from delivery the high tech screening machines, the company also carried out free screening to members of the public.
The Acting Executive Secretary, Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA), Gbenga Alabi, appealed to all those who have never carried out HIV counseling and testing (HCT) to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the project.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Joeba West described the contributions of Total towards eradication of HIV/AIDS as very enormous.
West who was represented at the event by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Ngozi Bennibor commended the company and urged other corporate organizations to emulate Total.
 

Chris Oluoh