Jumoke Olasunkanmi
The executive secretary of Borno State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (BOSACA), Falmata Alhaji-Bukar, has said at least 18,059 people, including 795 children are receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS in the state.
She added that there is a need for public enlightenment to sensitise residents of how to protect themselves from getting infected with the virus.
Alhaji-Bukar, who made this known on Friday in Maiduguri, also noted a disparity in knowledge between residents of urban and rural areas, stating that those in towns are more enlightened on what to do regarding HIV/AIDS, unlike those in rural communities.
““That’s why after today’s programme to mark the day in Maiduguri, we will proceed to Mafa LGA for an enlightenment programme. We have also mobilised our Local Action Committee on AIDs (LACA) to do more at the grassroots level.”
Emphasising the crucial role of knowing one’s status, Alhaji-Bukar mentioned that BOSACA is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other partners to promptly connect positive individuals to treatment.
However, she cited insecurity in insurgency – affected areas and staff shortages as significant obstacles in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Borno and urged the ministry of health to see to the recruitment of health workers.
“We hope the ministry will do something about employing more staff,” she said.
Mamman Musa, an individual living with HIV/AIDS in Borno, echoed her concerns, urging increased support and funding for the campaign, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.
He specifically appealed for government assistance in providing an office to enhance their contribution to the campaign and the provision of ambulances for members facing challenges in accessing treatment.
“We also need an ambulance to be carrying some of our members that cannot walk to assess treatment due to side effects of some drugs,” said Musa.
