The Nation Newspaper

Tag: HIV/AIDS

  • Society to build HIV/AIDS control warehouse

    THE Ogun State government is to create an enabling environment for partners working on HIV/AIDS.

    It has also provided a 7,500 square metre land in Ota for the building of a central warehouse by one of the partners, the Society for Family Health (SFH).

    Its Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, said the government was committed to the reduction of the prevalence rate of HIV.

    He spoke while conducting the officials of SFH round the land.

    He said the ministry has added new six Prevention of Mother-to-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) sites to the 18 existing ones and activated six Anti-Retroviral Therapy sites in addition to the 12.

    Soyinka said the ministry had also established 77 HIV and AIDS Testing and counselling service delivery points.

    He said the warehouse would enhance the socio-economic status of the area as it would create employment for residents, promising that other requests made by SFH would be forwarded to the State Governor, for his consideration.

    Director Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGSACA), Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, said the warehouse would boost the preventive efforts of his agency.

    The Managing Director of SFH, Sir Bright Ekweremadu, thanked the government for the gesture, revealing that the facility would be used for the storage of condoms and other consumables relating to HIV/AIDS prevention.

    Ekweremadu said the warehouse would create employment opportunities for about 400 people, adding that when completed, more taxes would also be paid into coffers of the State.

     

  • UNIBEN don claims HIV/AIDS cure drugs

    A  University of Benin (UNIBEN) Professor, Isaiah Ibeh, yesterday announced the development of a new drug that has shown substantial promise to cure HIV and AIDS. Ibeh, who is the Dean of the School of Basic Medical Sciences of the university, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin that the herbal drug had undergone “series of successful tests”.

    There is yet no cure for HIV/AIDS.

    “We are at the threshold of making history, in the sense that we seem to have with us something that will permanently take care of what over time seems to have defied all solutions, said the don, who added: “We are talking about the latest discovery of an oral drug made from plants extraction in Nigeria for the possible cure of the pandemic, HIV and AIDS virus.’’

    According to him, research on the project was started in 2010 and culminated in the development of “Deconcotion X (DX)–Liquid or Bioclean 11 for the cure of HIV and AIDS’’. `

    ‘The existing retroviral drugs are intervention drugs for the management of AIDS but our new discovery is a possible cure. We have tried to look at the product first; its toxicological analysis and discovered that it has a large safety margin.

    “This means that if animals or human beings are exposed to it, they will not suffer any serious harm at all from the exposure. It also helped us to know the quantity we can conveniently give to animals and will feel secure that nothing untoward will happen.

    “We have also done the bacteriological analysis on it, after which we looked at its effect on the virus and the result was quite revealing and refreshing.”

    Ibeh also said that the drug had been exposed to series of medical examination, both in Nigeria and in the United States. He added that the drug had performed well on patients with the HIV virus and had shown evidence of total restoration of damaged tissues.

    “The result showed an increase in the body weight of the individual administered with DX.

    “The body weight was statistically significant when compared with the control group.”

    He said that further tests were being conducted to determine “at what point will a patient become negative after being administered the drug?”. “This verification is necessary because it is what is used to measure whether infection is still there or not. So we need to know the siro-convention time.

    “But preliminary results showed that of the five latest patients orally administered with the drugs, our finding is that up to seven months , three of them were siro negative while two were sill faintly positive.’’

    Ibeh appealed for support from the Federal Government and relevant bodies to assist the university with relevant equipment to sustain the research.

     

  • ‘Asthma kills 10,000 yearly’

    Managing Director, HealthPlus Limited Mrs Bukky George said asthma killed over 10,000 Nigerians last year, according to World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) statistic.

    This, she said, was far more than the number of deaths recorded from HIV/AIDS .

    According to her, the new medications such as nebuliser, spacer, steroid tablets, preventers inhaler among others are now available, in the country.

    Mrs George spoke during a fundraiser for Elias Nelson Oyedokun foundation to create awareness on asthma in Lagos.

    She claimed Nelson Ilaka Oyedokun died of Asthma in 2010 at 13 while visiting his friend in Lekki, Lagos State.

    Mrs. George attributed the popular awareness of HIV/AIDS to the stigma involved because people find it difficult to say even when they are infected.

    She said another reason for the serious awareness of AIDS is the means of contracting it which could be via sexual intercourse, sharp objects and other means.

    She said: “Ability to take control when they have attack is very important, when they know how to take control of the situation, the problem is already solved. Asthma victims should inform all the people around them on the conditions of their health and how to use the medication available in case they have attack.”

    Mrs. Goerge said asthmatics need to inform all the people who are close to them of the medication they take so as to rescue them whenever they are under attack and lack of ability to apply the medications.

    She advised parents of asthmatics to inform their teachers, friends, drivers, of the way to use the new medications so as to use it effectively whenever they are attacked.

    While talking on the need for setting up a foundation for the deceased, the organiser of the event and the father of Nelson Oyedokun, Hon. Bisi Ilaka, said there is a need for people to know how deadly asthma is, and that is why they embarked on the programme to collaborate with the major stakeholders and organisations like schools, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and government organisations like Federal Ministry of Health.

    Ilaka said the aim of the foundation is to reduce the number of the people dying of asthma in Nigeria by sensitising them of what to do when they have attack.

  • Anti-stigmatisation Bill ’ll fight HIV/AIDS’

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Education as a Vaccine (EVA), has warned that the continued delay in the passage of the Anti- Stigmatisation Bill before the National Assembly is hampering HIV/AIDS prevention.

    Its Executive Director, Fadekemi Akinfaderin-Agarau said less important bills have been given speedy passage by the lawmakers.

    She spoke during the Africa and Middle East STARS Impact Award for journalists in Abuja.

    She urged the National Assembly to pass the bill, saying it would ensure the fight against HIV/AIDS among children between six and 13 years.

    She said: “Our first challenge is that the National Assembly has not passed the anti-stigmatization bill. The bill has stayed for too long in the National Assembly. It was introduced around 2003 or 2004.

    “Less important bills have been given speedy passage in the National Assembly.

    Why is there delay in the passage of the anti-stigmatization bill? It is one of the greatest challenges in our work against spread of HIV/AIDS.”

  • Lagos plans HIV/AIDS counselling, treatment centre

    ABOUT 1.3 million people will be screened in Lagos State between now and December 31 next year as part of efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adesina, said the screening, organsed by the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), is open to all.

    She said people should know their HIV status, adding that the state has provided counseling and treatment facilities at various sites. “The state is planning to have one counselling and treatment centre per ward” she said.

    Mrs. Adeshina said HIV Counselling Trucks (HCTs) have been plying the nooks and crannies of the state to screen people for the disease free.

    “The disease is still severe and it is devastating when people’s lives are lost,” she added.

    She said the government is doing a lot to reduce the disease burden by making treatment centres available in all the local government Areas (LGAs) and local council development Areas (LCDAs).

    Head Projects, Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), Dr Olusegun Ogboye, said many people don’t know their status, adding that testing for the disease is still being approached with fear.

    He said the programme was necessary to ensure early detection of new infection.

    Ogboye said a lot of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were also carrying out counselling and treatment on the disease.

    “Also, 500 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were trained on HIV/AIDS and how to refer those positive. The state is also opening 20 new centres to ensure the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of the disease,” he added.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal inaugurated the programme.

  • Access Bank, groups partner on Inside story

    Access Bank, groups partner on Inside story

    Access Bank Plc’s commitment towards building a healthier world through its fight against HIV/AIDS received a boost over the weekend at the premiere of Inside Story: The Science of HIV/AIDS in commemoration of the 2012 World AIDS Day in Lagos.

    The movie, captured in compelling story of sports, love and ill fate, has been developed to enlighten audiences about HIV/AIDS and raise the level of awareness about the disease among mankind in partnership with UNAIDS, Discovery Communications, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership (DCGEP), Chevron, Management Sciences for Health and some other global organisations.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Access Bank’s Group Managing Director, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said: “The Bank’s intervention in the health space is a responsible approach to managing the impact of the triple pandemics of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria through effective workplace programmes, partnerships and community involvement that seek to reduce the effect of the pandemics on employees, their families, supply chain, clients and society in general”

    He added: The partnerships between organisations are essential, and Inside Story is one of such partnerships. The film will help ensure that awareness and education about HIV/AIDS reaches the grassroots and shapes behaviour.”

    Consul-General of the US Consulate in Lagos, Jeffery Hawkins,who attended , said Inside Story would be a valuable tool to inform people across Africa and the world about the science of HIV. With greater understanding of the virus people can seek to know their status, to protect themselves, and to adhere to life-saving treatment if needed.” He called on other organisations to forge stronger alliances to put a stop to the AIDS pandemic.

    He added that “the global AIDS response is a shared responsibility. With strong leadership from the United States, and continued partnership from the private sector, we are seizing the opportunity the science has presented us to move toward an AIDS-free generation.”

    President Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership and the Executive Producer, Aric Noboa, Inside Africa said “Knowledge is power, and with Inside Story we have a powerful tool with which to share the science of HIV, adding that Inside Story is an African film for African audiences that tackles a global pandemic. We’re honored to premiere the film here in South Africa, and thankful for the generous support of our partners”.

    “Understanding HIV/AIDS is central to making healthy decisions, complying with treatment, and ending stigma and discrimination. This is the right time forInside Story, an innovative approach to helping eradicate HIV/AIDS in Africa and beyond”, said Aric.

    Following the premiere of the film in Johannesburg and US in January 2012, a comprehensive rollout of the film – including national broadcasts across sub-Saharan Africa and distribution through grassroots efforts of NGOs, schools and governments will start. Also, DCGEP will provide facilitator guides and DVD and online materials for use by community and public health organisations, as well as schools throughout Africa, to reinforce Inside Story’s messages in both urban and rural communities

  • Over three million Nigerians live with HIV/AIDS – Minister

    Over three million Nigerians live with HIV/AIDS – Minister

    The Federal Ministry of Health has disclosed that over three million Nigerians are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, made the disclosure on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing to mark World AIDS Day.

    The theme of this year’s event is – “Resourcing the National Response towards Getting to Zero AIDS Related Deaths.”

    The minister, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Mansur Kabir, explained that the virus has claimed over 20 million lives globally, with an estimated 33 million people living with it.

    He said: “Globally, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has claimed over 20 million lives, with an estimated 33 million people living with the virus.

    “Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 25 million of these people and Nigeria is home to about 3,130,000 infected with the virus. Presently, Nigeria bears the 2nd highest burden of HIV/AIDS, next to South Africa and third in the whole world after South Africa and India.”

    To achieve this year theme, the minister explained that efforts will be stepped up towards successful passage of the HIV/AIDS and anti-stigma bill and the upscaling of awareness creation strategy.

    “The current national HIV/AIDS prevalence figure of 4.1 per cent conceals regional variations ranging from 1 per cent in Kebbi state to 12 per cent in Benue state. However, all the states are affected. In all, 17 states and the FCT had prevalence rates of over 5 per cent and young adults aged 15-29 years are mostly affected.

    “In order to achieve zero new infections, Nigeria has placed much emphasis on prevention with specific focus on prevention Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) which is a proven, cost effective intervention with the ability to ensure 100 per cent interruption of vertical transmission of HIV infection from a positive pregnant woman to the unborn child,” Prof. Chukwu stated.

     

  • Kwankwaso seeks help on HIV/AIDS

    Kwankwaso seeks help on HIV/AIDS

    Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has called on the World Bank to assist the state to effectively control the spread of HIV and AIDS.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Malam Halilu Dantiye, the Director of Press and Public Relations, Kano Government House.

    According to the statement, the governor made the appeal while receiving the World Bank Country Director, Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly, at the governor’s lodge in Abuja.

    It said that Kwankwaso intimated the director on what his administration was doing to control the spread of the scourge in the state.

    Replying, the director informed the governor that Kano was among the seven states that would benefit from the bank’s malarial control project.

    The statement said she advised that a committee be constituted by the government to facilitate the implementation of the project in the state.

    The statement further said that the governor had ordered the state Ministry of Health to facilitate exiting from the 27million dollars loan obtained by the past administration.

     

  • ‘How to control HIV/AIDS’

    Farmers screened, sensitised

    Former chairman, National Agency for the Contriol of AIDS (NACA), Prof Shehu Umaru has recommended existing testing, treatment and prevention tools for the control of HIV and AIDS.

    Speaking at this year’s Faculty Day Lecture of the National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria, entitled: The Challenge of HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria.

    Shehu said strengthening research capabilities in behavioural communications, prevention and treatment programmes and care, would go a long way in curbing the disease.

    “Strengthening the integration of HIV services with other health programmes including sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, TB, malaria and health systems; promoting task sharing or task shifting towards addressing health human resource gaps to ensure that other cadres of health care workers, especially nurses can provide some services usually provided by doctors to people living with HIV (PLWH) will help to reduce, if not stop, the spread of the disease,” he added.

    On the part of the government and relevant partners, Shehu said they should review the supply chain management system and come up with an effective central supply chain management system that will reduce, if not totally, eliminate stock outs and wastage of HIV commodities.

    “For PLWH and those affected by AIDS and vulnerable children, there should be comprehensive care and support by developing policies and guidelines that can promote a minimum package and standards acceptable at all levels throughout Nigeria,” he said.

    Counselling, he stated, is a key entry point for prevention, treatment and care investment for people living with HIV which lies in creating awareness that can be instrumental in improving access to care, protecting sexual partners and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS thereby reducing risky sexual behaviour generally.

    Minister of State for Health, Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate, said HIV/AIDS is a public health problem across the world with its attendant health, social and economic implication on the development of the country.

    He said the disease affects the society, including the women and children, who are regarded as the vulnerable group and the reproductive and productive segments of the society.

    Pate, represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Innocent Ujah, said HIV/AIDS not only causes untold psychological and financial hardship on the families but also affects the resources of developing countries, including Nigeria.

    He said the promotion of behaviour communication, community involvement and participation, HIV counselling and testing and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) will help to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS.