Government calls for collective fight against HIV/AIDS

The Nasarawa State Aids and Control Agency (NASACA) on Tuesday called for collective effort among traditional rulers, religious leaders and others stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr Hamza Abdullahi, the Programme Manager of NASACA, made the call during the Agency’s monthly review rotational meeting in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.

He added that "as we all know that HIV/AIDS not only affect our lives and the socio-economic development of our country negatively, it also affect our family progress once one is infected with the virus.

"I want to call for collective effort among traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to intensify efforts toward the fight against the scourge.

"The efforts can be in the form of educating family members on the dangers of the epidemic in the society.

"Traditional rulers, pastors and imams and other stakeholders are in better position to carry out campaigns against the scourge to every nook and cranny of the state.’’

The programme manager also urged traditional, religious leaders and other stakeholders to educate and enlighten their members on the consequences of engaging in extra-marital sex, unprotected sex and sharing of sharp objects with other people.

He called on the people to be faithful to their partners and to always go to hospital for test to know their status in order to ensure HIV-free society.

Mr Musa Namo, the Chairman of Kokona Local Government Area of the state, expressed the council’s readiness to partner with relevant agencies and other stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He advised Nigerians to show love and care to persons living with the virus.