Simon UTEBOR, Yenagoa
BAYELSA State Government has decried the low rate of HIV/AIDS testing among residents of the state, describing it as far below the expected outcomes.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Igwele, stated this while receiving 70,000 Life Saving Rapid Test Kits donated by IHS Nigeria Limited with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
He said only 41 percent of the residents of the state know their HIV/AIDS status, pointing out that it was far below the 95percent testing rate.
He said: “This donation is the first of its kind and we consider our state fortunate. Government alone cannot cater for the health care needs of our citizens. These kits will help to improve our health care indices in the area of HIV/AIDS.”
In his remarks, the USAID representative in Nigeria, Mr. Babatunde Odelola, described the 70,000 rapid test kits as a major milestone in USAID strategic engagement and partnership with the private sector.
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