Caritas Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, has committed to combating the epidemic spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Abia, Enugu, and Imo states. This initiative was announced by Rev. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the organization, during the official launch of the Accelerated Control of HIV Epidemic and Sustainable Solution Project (Access Project) in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State. The Access Project aims to reach all individuals infected with HIV, providing them with free diagnosis and treatment.
Obodoechina further disclosed that Caritas Nigeria has received a mandate from the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement these projects over the next five years in the targeted states. He stated, “We have a grant from the American government and its people to obtain services in Abia State and other parts of Southeast Nigeria with a view to achieving epidemic control against HIV/AIDS. Today, we are in Abia, collaborating with the state and other sectors to engage in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” He emphasized the need for the Nigerian and Abia State governments to fulfill their responsibility to ensure the health of their citizens, highlighting that the essence of government is to provide for the people what they cannot achieve on their own.
Dr. Amana Effiong, the project director in Abia State, noted that the Access Project specifically targets individuals living with HIV/AIDS in areas previously overlooked by the organization’s earlier initiative, the 4GATES project. He pointed out that while some states in the Southeast have achieved epidemic control of HIV, Abia State continues to lag due to historical factors. “Abia is still one of the states with the highest number of people living with HIV without access to treatment. We have the mandate to identify as many individuals as possible and place them on antiretroviral treatment,” he explained. He highlighted that key populations, particularly children and adults in hard-to-reach areas of Abia North Senatorial District, have been severely affected.
Effiong emphasized the importance of employing various strategies to reach these populations and ensure they receive treatment, allowing them to lead normal lives. He added that this project aims to reduce the transmission of HIV to others. While many states in Nigeria have achieved epidemic control and treatment, Abia State remains an exception. Caritas Nigeria has been working in the state for a year and a half and has made significant progress, although much work remains to be done.
Dr. John Okpanachi Oko, the chief of the Access Project, identified stigma against individuals living with HIV/AIDS as the primary challenge faced by the organization in its previous projects in the state. He stated, “What we are doing is officially launching the new HIV prevention project, starting with Abia State. It’s a five-year grant from the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that will be implemented in Abia, Enugu, and Imo states. This is a comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment project.”
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