HIV/AIDS; HEALTH BOSS LAUDS/ICAP

The need for behavioral change by the populace and a scale up of preventive measures targeted at the most vulnerable groups to combat the scourge of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been emphasized
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Louisa Ukpoeh who gave this indication when a team from the International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) visited her said she viewed prevention as a major step in reversing the high HIV/AIDS prevalence in the State.
Dr. Ukpeh averred that the present administration would ensure the health of the citizenry, noting that within three years of the present administration, more HIV/AIDS treatment centres have been created in the State.
She appreciated development partners, particularly, ICAP for working to care for people living with HIV/AIDS, adding that the State Government will embrace any form of help from partners aimed at improving the quality of health care delivery.
The Health Boss thanked ICAP for its plan to expand its services in the State to cover Pre and in-service training, which she said would go a long way to build the human capacity in the sector.
During his briefing, the Director of Central Clinical Unit, ICAP, Dr. Bassey Eyo-Nsa, said the visit was to seek approval for the expansion of its services in the State.
He hinted that the envisaged expansion would include pre-service training for health care personnel in the schools of Health Technology and in-service training for schools of Nursing as well as infrastructural development.
Dr. Eyo-Nsa further disclosed plans by ICAP to increase access for HIV/AIDS care and treatment in the State while also targeting the under served population and long distance drivers whom he said were more prone to HIV/AIDS infection.
Others in the ICAP team included the Central ART Advisor, Dr. G. Egesimba, the Pediatric ART Advisor Dr. Echey Ijezie, the Regional Clinical Advisor/Site Coordinator, Dr. Emilia Udofia and the Finance Manager, Mrs Funmi Adegbesan.