WIKE CONFERRED AS SURGE CHAMPION …Recommits to Improving lives of people living with HIV

The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of lives for Persons Living With HIV.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo (Left) displaying  an Award presented to her by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Caroline Wali (Right) during the 2019 World Aids Day Celebration at the St. Andrew’s State School, Diobu, Port Harcourt on the 3^rd Dec. 2019.

The State Chief Executive, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated this at St. Andrew’s State School Diobu, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, 3^rd December, 2019, shortly after his investiture as the Epidemic Control Surge Champion for Rivers State.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo at the event which was part of activities to commemorate the 2019 World Aids Day, Governor Wike said access to care and good quality health services comparable to international best standards is guaranteed for people living with the virus in the State.

“This is why I recently abolished user-fees for PLHIVs in the State to enable unfettered access to patient centred health care delivery services without stigma. This I am told has in no small measure improved demand for services and treatment retention”. Governor Wike further stressed.

The Governor who acknowledged the collaborative support of stake holders like the Centre for Disease Control Atlanta, the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria, other MDAs, the Media, UNICEF, NEPWAN, and CISHAN in the on-going control process expressed delight on his investiture as Surge Champion for the epidemic control of the virus in the State.

 According to him the State Government under his watch would continue to pursue people oriented developmental projects in order to ensure better lives for residents of the State.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo (Right) making a speech during the 2019 World Aids Day Celebration at the St. Andrew’s State School, Diobu, Port Harcourt on the 3^rd Dec. 2019.

Governor Wike who urged the people to remain resolute in the pursuit of zero new infections by being advocates of HIV Control in their spheres of influence, said “know your status today, do not stigmatize infected persons, pregnant women should endeavour to register at the health facility nearest to them for ante natal care”.

In his remarks the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Dakum who spoke on behalf of his organization and the Centre for Disease Control, Atlanta, gave the assurance that the Government of the United States of America would give all the necessary technical and financial support it is committed to because it has seen clear evidence that the Rivers State Government is committed on its own, for its own People.

He noted that the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria on its part would continue to provide all the collaboration and be the link between the Rivers State and the United Sates Government.

The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Caroline Wali had earlier said the control of the virus has remained a critical factor in ensuring a healthy population and contributes to determining life expectancy in many countries.

She said the theme for this year’s celebration which is “communities make the difference”, underscores the need to recognize that communities play important roles in the HIV response.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards to Governor Wike his Deputy, Dr. Banigo as well as Senator Olaka Nwogu.

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