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Nigeria: Govt Takes HIV/Aids Campaign to Rural Areas
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This Day (Lagos)
5 July 2008
Posted to the web 7 July 2008
Emmanuel Ugwu
Umuahia
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection rate in the rural communities of Abia State is now being tackled as the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Mercy Odochi Orji has launched a campaign to save the rural folks from the scourge.
Health experts and non-governmental organisations have been expressing alarm at the rate HIV virus was spreading in the rural communities, which has far surpassed the prevalence rate in the urban area.
But Mrs. Orji said the campaign, which was aimed at saving the rural indigenes from the impact of the HIV/AIDS scourge, would change the situation, urging mothers and youths to take proactive action in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
She explained that the campaign was launched to complement the effort of the First Lady, Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua, who has initiated the National Women Coalition Against HIV/AIDS.
At Ohafia, in Abia North Senatorial zone, where Mrs. Orji commenced her campaign, the governor's wife noted that mothers have a major role to play in the fight to stem the HIV/AIDS menace hence there was need to sensitise "all mother to be wary of the antics of some infected persons in our society who might deliberately" want to spread the dreaded virus.She frowned at mothers, who allowed their children and wards to engage in hawking, stating that girl-child hawkers were most vulnerable to be infected with the virus through sexual abuse.
"I therefore enjoin all mothers to ensure that our children are not exposed to hawking, as they are likely to fall prey to the antics of this group of people through sexual abuse of rape," Mrs. Orji said, adding, "This clarion call is extended to all baby merchants in our society who act as agents to the spread of this dangerous disease", she said.
Wife of the Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Mrs. Grace Uche Ogboso, said people still feigned ignorance of HIV/AIDS by indulging in reckless sexual activities, despite empirical evidence of its ravaging effects.
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She noted that "a frontal attack is now possible and victory is assured."
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