Rabiu Omaku
No fewer than 10 Persons Living With HIV/AIDS has benefited from from employment giving to them by Nasarawa state Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura . He gave the hint during the 5th Graduation Ceremony of Trainees of Mother and Child Care Enhancement Foundation (Mc-Cef) , a pet project of Nasarawa state first Lady, Salamatu Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
The Governor donated N100,000 to each of the graduants, advicing them to always be on retro-vaccine to live a longer life, “I envy your boldness for knowing your status, describing the gradaunts as worthy and true compatriot to the state and the country.
He however asserted that his regime would accord impetus towards the expansion of Mc-Cef project which he affirmed are people oriented programmes, adding the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme would herald the sensitization exercise on HIV/AIDS.
“Is no longer a death warrant for carriers of HIV/Aids rather they have a lifeline through the use of retro-vaccine, speaking Governor Al-Makura said HIV/AIDS which was the topmost deadly disease is now rated among the 11 multi lethal scourge in the world.
He attested that the prevalence which stand at 8% in the last three years was climb down to 4% in the state ,as he added that 8% rating in the last three years was not acceptable to the state.
The first Lady, Salamatu Umaru Tanko Al-Makura in her presentation commended the trainees for their boldness and acceptance of their status as PLWHA, saying living with HIV is seen as a curse in some society as people with the scourge passed through serious discrimination.
“Many of you passed through different experience but being diagnosed with HIV can create a raft of emotions including anger, denial, depression, anxiety, fear of isolation by family members, friends and worries about infecting others. She expressed concerned over the lackadaisical attitude towards knowing their status, she however affirmed that 19 million out of 35 million PLWHA worldwide are yet to know their status.
The first Lady averred that project targets the prevention of mother to child transmission, Urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills they acquired from the foundation, Calling on family members and friends to show love and compassion at all times.
