As the world yesterday marked this year’s World AIDS Day which comes up every 1st day of December, medical scientists are working round the clock for the total eradication of the pandemic.
This World Health Organization chose this year’s theme as, “End Inequalities, End AIDS. End pandemics”.
This is aimed at highlighting the urgent need to end inequalities that drive AIDS and other pandemics around the world.
In his message to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, the Head of HIV Coordinating Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who is also the Awka Zonal Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Emma Umenweke, called on political leaders in Nigeria to develop policies that favour adequate remuneration for health care providers, revamp the ailing health care system, as well as make health care facilities accessible to all.
Dr. Umenweke called on health authorities to make a concerted effort towards strengthening the Heath care delivery system to close the gap between the haves and have nots.
The medical expert expects that governments should promote inclusive social and economic growth, as well as eliminate discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that inhibit disadvantaged persons from having access to healthcare services.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor of Unizik, Professor Charles Esimone, for equipping the university’s medical centre with state-of-the-art facilities that will assist in waging war against the HIV pandemic.
Dr. Umenweke further advised that the inequality gap be bridged, saying also that people should be mindful of what to avoid to avert contracting the disease.
The medical expert expressed hope that the incoming administration of Professor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, will usher in a new lease of life in the state health sector.
Also, in commemoration of World AIDS Day usually observed on 1st December, every year, an Awka based medical expert, Dr Cliff Okafor, has reminded the citizenry that the pandemic is still prevalent in society.
In a message to mark the Day, Dr.Okafor noted that all efforts should be made to observe all the protocols of old, such as avoiding casual sex, sharing of needles and other unwholesome practices which can expose one to the danger of contracting the disease.
The medical expert advised the citizens to go for routine HIV tests to update their status on the disease.
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