News
US Spends $6bn On HIV Services In Nigeria …As Top Official Begins Three-Nation Africa Tour
The United State Government has spent well over $6billion to strengthen the healthcare systems in Nigeria with the aim of training and recruiting thousands of workers, among others, to advance the nation’s ability to deliver comprehensive HIV Services in the country.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard made the revelation while delivering New Dawn remarks at the United Nations House, Abuja, yesterday.
A statement made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said, in full: “It is truly an honour to join you today to reflect upon the success of Nigeria’s HIV response over the past 35 years. When Nigeria’s first case was reported in 1986, it marked the beginning of what appeared to be an unstoppable epidemic.
“The launching of the New Dawn publication takes us back into history when an AIDS-Free generation seemed unimaginable. But today, we have come to celebrate that the impossible is possible and reaching HIV epidemic control is a reality for Nigeria!
“The U.S. Government through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has improved access to HIV treatment services to every corner of this country.
“We are most proud of how we reached this point together. Our key partnerships with the national and state governments, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund were instrumental in determining what systems and strategy we needed to gain traction and outpace HIV.
“Since 2003, the United States has contributed over $6billion to strengthen the systems side of the equation to train and recruit hundreds of thousands of health workers, upgrade existing laboratories infrastructures to world class status and develop the most up-to-date data management and supply chain systems to advance the Government of Nigeria’s ability to deliver comprehensive HIV services.
“On current targeted strategy was based on the Ministry of Health’s highly successful population-based survey, the Nigerian AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS). The data we received allowed us to zoom in on reaching 95-95-95 goals as it informed our ART Surge strategy to target treatment for populations of unknown HIV status and enlist governors and religious and traditional leaders for state-level buy-in.
“The result of this unprecedented achievement and journey with the Nigeria Government is what we celebrate today in this publication led by the UNAIDS country team.
“This publication recognizes the decisions that we have made together as individuals, institutions and bilateral partners, and salutes a few of the special individuals that have helped us to achieve this great success. We are proud of what we have done together, systematically, and strategically.
“The U.S. Government is proud to have collaborated with the Joint UN team and other stakeholders in documenting Nigeria’s journey thus far and we look forward to continued success on our path to an AIDS-free generation”, the statement added.
Similarly, the US State Department has concluded plans for the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs,Victoria Nuland, travel to Djibouti, Mozambique, and Nigeria.
A statement issued by the US State Department in Washington, DC, yesterday, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, said, “Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland will visit Djibouti, Mozambique, and Nigeria, June 11-17, 2022.
“In Djibouti, Under Secretary Nuland and an interagency team will meet with government counterparts to advance U.S.-Djibouti relations and our close security cooperation./
“In Mozambique, the Under Secretary and team will meet with government and civil society members./ They will discuss the full range of bilateral and regional issues, including opportunities to advance stability and economic recovery in conflict-affected areas in support of our new partnership under the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.
“In Nigeria, Under Secretary Nuland and the team will meet with government and civil society representatives to discuss issues of shared concern including regional security, free and fair elections, and business innovation./
“Throughout the trip, the Under Secretary will highlight the important work the United States is doing with African and international partners to shore up global food security and health systems”, the statement said.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
News
Group Doles out N13m To Market Women In Isiama
News
Fubara’s Return Excites NCSU … As Hope Rises For Civil Servants
News
NDDC Organizes ADR Capacity Building for Staff
-
Sports4 days ago
CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo
-
Sports4 days ago
FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa
-
Sports4 days ago
NPFL club name Iorfa new GM
-
Sports4 days ago
NNL abolishes playoffs for NPFL promotion
-
Sports4 days ago
NSF: Early preparations begin for 2026 National Sports Festival
-
Sports4 days ago
Kwara Hopeful To Host Confed Cup in Ilorin
-
Sports4 days ago
RSG Award Renovation Work At Yakubu Gowon Stadium
-
Politics4 days ago
Rivers Assembly Resumes Sitting After Six-Month Suspension