HIV: 25,000 patients in FCT placed on drugs

No fewer than 25,000 people living with HIV/AIDS are on Anti Retroviral Drugs in the Federal Capital Territory, Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Ademola Onakomaiya, has said.

Onakomaiya stated this in a statement by the Head, Public Relations Unit of HHSS, Mr. Badaru Yakasai, on Sunday.

He was quoted to have stated this when the World Bank Human Development Sector Director (Africa), Ms. Ritva Reinikka, visited him in Abuja.

He said, “The FCT Administration is totally committed to the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS as well as improving the quality of life of people already infected with the virus. Recently, the FCT Administration carried out a survey on Anti-Retroviral Treatment client satisfaction for HIV patients receiving the ART treatment for HIV in the territory.

“In addition, new treatment centres have been activated across the six area councils to increase access to the ART, HIV rapid test kits, drugs, laboratory equipment and its consumables are being provided to the sites. This support has been achieved through strong collaboration of implementing partners with the Health Secretariat and there are more than 25,000 clients, who are currently placed on ART in FCT.”

He assured the visiting World Bank Chief of the FCT administration’s determination to provide health care based on quality, equity and sustainability.

Onakomaiya also solicited more support, especially in technical and capacity building for health care providers in order to achieve effective and efficient service delivery.

Reinikka commended the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, for his administration’s effort in the fight against HIV/AIDS, urging the leadership not to relent in its effort to achieve zero HIV infection in the city.

Reiterating the World Bank’s commitment in poverty reduction, education, health, nutrition and HIV/AIDS, Reinikka said the bank would continue to give support the FCT inHuman Development challenges through civil society organiations, which could directly reach the vulnerable ones with the right interventions.




-- Punch