Rivers
Stopping HIV Infection By 2030 Still Long Way Off – ASWHAN
Amid growing pessimism over whether Nigeria can meet the Joint United Nations Programme On HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) target of eliminating new HIV inffections by 2030, the Association of Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) has said it would be difficult to attain the target in Nigeria, nay Rivers State.
The Coordinator of ASWHAN in Rivers State, Mrs. Fortune Kalio-Faladu, made this disclosure in an exclusive interview with The Tide, recently, during a meeting of key stakeholders involved in HIV prevention held in Port Harcourt, organised by the ASWHAN, in collaboration with the Coalition of Sex Workers Rights Movement (COSWRIM) in Nigeria.
She said, going by revelations from presentations and dicussions during the meeting, achieving the 2030 target would not be feasible, except more deliberate drastic actions are taken by stakeholders, particularly Government, at all levels.
“From our discussions today, we still have a long way to go. But I think if we, as stakeholders, and members of the State, particularly the government, can actually come to do what we have to do, in the right proportion and at the right time, we can still achieve the 2030 target”, she stated.
On the part of individuals, she said people would need to come out to ascertain their HIV status, and be on treatment, if they turn out positive, and those who are negative would have to abstain from habits that could make them positive.
“For those that are positive, they should be on drugs, because I know that once you take your drugs correctly and consistently over a period of time, you will be virally suppressed, and once you’re virally suppressed, you cannot transmit the virus”, she explained.
For stakeholders, she called for more all round commitment: to meetings, increase efforts to not only create awareness, but to also follow-up on drives to reach targeted vulnerable groups to HIV infection.
She also said beyond these, the Government has a greater part to play, if the 2030 tagget for zero HIV infection can be achieved.
A key way to do this, she said, is for the government to come up with a disciplinary group that would act as spy in order to enforce discrimination of HIV positive persons.
“The truth be told, when we talk about prevention, if I’ll be stigmatized and discriminated upon, I don’t think I will come out from my hiding. I’ll be in my house, possibly without taking the necessary drugs.
“But if the Government is there, and these positive persons are aware that they’re being protected, then they’re more likely to come out of their hiding, because they know they can get jobs for which they are qualified, and also attain societal status without discrimination”.
In her presentation at the meeting, titled, “HIV Prevention and Accountability: A Community Perspective, 2023”, the ASWHAN Coordinator delved into such areas as efforts made by Civil Societies Organisation’ (CSOs) in HIV prevention; and Progress against the 2025 roadmap for CSOs, which covered Evidence-driven assessment of HIV prevention programme needs and barriers, Precision Prevention Approach, country investment needs, HIV Prevention political leadership, community-led HIV prevention services, remove social and legal barriers, promote HIV prevention integration, new HIV prevention technologies, Real-time prevention programme monitoring, and Accountability for HIV Prevention.
Buttressing the stand of the ASWHAN Coordinator on the feasibility of the 2030 target and the way forward, the Communication Officer of the COSWRIM in Nigeria, Mr. Vena Daniel, re-echoed the need for more efforts by key stakeholders.
He said, “Based on our meeting today, I will say that we are still very far away from attaining that goal, because, looking at some of the laws and practices and fragmentations within the CSO movement, you’ll see that we’re still far away from it.
“For instance, it’s just today we’re realising that a unique group has been excluded from the HIV/AIDS implementation space, that is, people who are in confined space, such as correctional homes (prison), frequent travellers, such as drivers, Police, and other security personnels.
“Implementation has been going on over the years, but these groups have been neglected”.
He, therefore, suggested that given the present scenario, there’s the need to extend the target year to 2035, within which more deliberate efforts should be made in HIV preventive efforts, considering that it’s barely six years to 2030.
“If we can extent it to 2035, we can begin to consider it. But, for now, 2030 is not feasible. Looking at the level of work that still needs to be done, I don’t think by 2030 we can achieve zero HIV infection “, he emphasized.
Sogbeba Dokubo
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.