The Rivers State Government says it has made significant progress in curbing the HIV epidemic in the State.
Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike disclosed this during the Flagg off Ceremony of the Governor Wike’s Waiver of User Fees and Antenatal Care Charges at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt on Thursday, 11th July, 2019.
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| Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo making a speech during the Flag off of the User Fee Waiver for all persons living with HIV/AIDS Accessing Services in Health Facilities in the State at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt on 11th July, 2019. |
The Governor who spoke through his Deputy Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said at the advent of the present Administration there were only 15 sites for Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) which today has risen to 112 Sites accessible for PMTCT.
According to him “our aim is to extend PMTCT services to every health facility in the state, noting that all user fees for Persons Living with HIV/AIDs who are accessing services including antenatal registration for new enrolees has been abolished in the State”.
The State Chief Executive who expressed commitment to meet all the health care needs of the Rivers People said “we are on the verge of kicking polio out permanently in the State and Nigeria”.
He noted that the State Immunization coverage has improved from 44.6% in 2016 to 82.6% in 2018 and gave the assurance of more improvement.
Governor Wike who said his Administration is encouraging baby friendly initiative in health facilities across the State further said the Wife of the Governor, Hon, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike is the number one Nutrition Champion, while stressing that his Administration is developing creative ways to reach communities with family planning services.
He thanked all partners like Human Virology Institute, Nigeria, Rotary International, WHO, Rivers Field UNICEF, the Challenge Initiative, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Religious Bodies, Traditional Rulers, Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Societies, the Media, Corporate Organizations, the Armed Forces, especially the Nigeria Police Medical Services and the Airforce, and the Academia and all stakeholders for their support and continued participation towards improved access to quality health services for all.
In their goodwill messages Dr. Jahun Jbrahim of the Centre for Disease Control and Dr. Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria Commended the Rivers State Government for this bold initiative, noting that it would not only give succour to People Living with the virus but would go a long way stemming the spread of the disease.
The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health Mrs. Caroline Wali, said the waiver of user fees for Persons Living with HIV by Governor Wike is unprecedented in the Country.
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