A renewed call has gone to the Rivers People to be advocates of HIV Prevention in their respective communities and institutions.
The State Chief Executive Nyesom Ezenwo Wike made this call during the celebration of the 2017 World AIDs Day in Port Harcourt, South- South Nigeria.
Represented by his Deputy Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo Governor Wike said
“Abstinence is best for young people. Learn to avoid risky sexual behaviour. Know your Status today. Do not stigmatize infected persons. Let us all support Government’s effort to achieve universal health coverage for our people”.
According to him it is totally unacceptable that a large percentage of new infections of HIV are due to mother-to-child transmission.
“Here in Rivers State we have directed that every health centre and health facility must provide Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services. It is a very cost effective technology to ensure that not one child is born HIV positive”
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| Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo (Left) displaying the Good Governance Award (Leadership with passion for care) during the 2017 World AIDs Day at the Ministry of Justice, State Secretariat. With her is the South National Coordinator, NEPWHAN, Clifford Emmanuel (Right) and the Coordinator, RIO Association, Peace Sokari (2nd Right) on 1st Dec. 2017 |
The Governor said his Administration has invested substantially on strengthening the health care systems by renovating abandoned secondary health care facilities, upgrading and equipping the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital for better standard of patient care and facilitating access to interest free loans for private health facilities to raise the quality of care.
“We are hopeful that the heavy drain of Out of Pocket Expenditure for health services will reduce once the State Health Insurance Scheme is fully underway”. He stressed.
Governor Wike said the theme for this year’s celebration My Health, My Right; resonates around the right to health services, access to social services and the importance of individual knowledge in order to keep healthy, and expressed the need for everyone to take seriously, the simple tasks of routine exercise, diet and continuous effort of monitoring biologic indicators of good health.
On their part the State Commissioner for Health Prof. Princewill Chike, his Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Caroline Wali thanked the State Chief Executive, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his Political will and commitment in the support of the Ministry which according to them has translated to improved service delivery in the health sector.
Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of Good Governance Awards to Governor Wike, his Deputy Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, while Silver Bird Communications(Rhythm 93.7 FM, STV) and Steam Broadcasting Ltd(95.9 Cool FM, 92.3Nig Info, Wazobia FM) received Media Awards of Excellence for their outstanding contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDs.
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