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The Director General, Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, ABSACA, Dr. Uloaku Emmanuel-Ukaegbu, has stated that knowing one’s HIV status has become imperative, insisting that the disease doesn’t mean death sentence.
This is coming ahead this year’s World AIDS Day 2024 under the theme, “Take the right path: My health, my right, celebrated December 1st each year.
Speaking during a monitored interview on Monday, Dr. Emmanuel-Ukaegbu lauded the Governor Alex Otti led administration in the State, saying he has committed enough to the fight against HIV/AIDS prevalence in Abia State, stressing that his commitment has led to the reduction in HIV/AIDS cases in the State.
She stated that despite the state having the prevalence rate of 2.1 percent, the Agency has continued to embark on sensitization of Abians on how to avoid contraction while also encouraging those living with it that it can be managed properly as it is not a death sentence.
Dr. Emmanuel-Ukaegbu, revealed that her Agency has continued to carry out awareness campaigns in the media among other engagements.
She stated that currently, her Agency is sponsoring Abia Tournament, giving jersies with HIV messages written on it, adding that they are collaborating with the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) and other associations to sensitise Abians on the need to know their status among others.
On activities lined up to celebrate this year’s World AIDS Day 2024, Dr. Ukegbu said this year’s event will be a bumper package which will involve talk shows in churches where there will be HIV testing boots to ensure that people know their status.
She pointed out that on the 3rd of December which is the grand finale, the Agency will hold an HIV walk which will involve stakeholders in the State, emphasizing that it is geared towards creating awareness that the disease can be managed and the patient will live a healthy life.
Dr. Emmanuel-Ukaegbu, added that the whole idea is to key into the WHO’s agenda which calls on global leaders and citizens to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS.
She also revealed that at local government levels, activities, talk shows in open places and major markets including church services had begun in collaboration with newly elected Mayors in the 17 LGAs of the State.
The ABSACA DG urged people to abstain from unprotected sexual intercourse, be faithful with their partners, stressing that these are some of the preventive measures against contracting the virus, expressing optimism that in the coming years Scientists will unveil permanent cure for the virus.
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