Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo has urged People Living with HIV Aids to avail themselves of the Free HIV/AIDS Services in all 23 LGAs of the State.
Dr. Banigo stated this in her goodwill message from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, 30th November 2021 to mark World AIDs Day.
According to the Deputy Governor, the call became necessary in view of the fact that the Aids Control programme has achieved 96% viral suppression for people currently on treatment, adding that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s decision to abolish user fees for PLWAs has given succour to both the infected and affected.
The Public Health Physician who said about 177,524 number of people are on treatment in 116 Anti-Retroviral Treatment Site, revealed that Anti Retro Viral Drugs are available and free in the State, including Community Testing Services.
The Deputy Governor who insisted that HIV/AIDs was not a death sentence frowned against discrimination and stigmatization of People Living with the Virus, stressing that all they need is our love and support.
The First of December has been set aside to mark the World AIDS Day each year, the theme for 2021 celebration is “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Every One’s Voice”.
