BENIN CITY- Project Charilove, a philanthropic and Non-Governmental Organization, has called for proper awareness campaign in the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially among physically challenged persons.
Speaking at the occasion of the Charilove HIV/AIDS Awareness and Management Programme which took place at the foundation’s premises in Benin City, a student Pharmacist, Adamson Okorofua maintained that, the first report of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria was in the early 80s, adding that by the year 2000, about two million people were already affected.
Adamson Okorofua also noted that there was the possibility of acquiring the HIV/AIDS virus after it had taken over the entire human body defence system and thus prevent resistance.
He enjoined the people to be watchful of their HIV/AIDS status, stressing that there was the need for the people to shun discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the society.
The HIV/AIDS Programme Officer of the Project Charilove, Loveth Omoatuaire who delivered a keynote address, lamented the extent to which the disabled persons are harassed sexually.
The programme officer also noted that, over the years, the physically challenged had been denied employment because of their disabilities, adding that, Nigeria was yet to provide the facilities to train and produce a blind doctor.
While stressing the need for continuous awareness campaign for the physically challenged, she advised them to shun any activity that would expose them to HIV/AIDS.
Also speaking, spokesman for the Foundation builders of the Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Mr. Aigbe Omoruyi said that the dreaded disease which spread widely was threatening government efforts towards arresting it.
He also disclosed that AIDS was responsible for the low growth that had reduced development in the country.
According to him, the only way to reduce the level of HIV/AIDS is to stop having multiple sex partners and anything that could possibly lead to contracting the disease.
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