Stop HIV stigma, discrimination – Activist urges residents

Dr Danladi Idriss, Programme Officer, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Adamawa, has urged the people to stop stigma and discrimination against HIV positive living persons.

Idriss made the call on Tuesday during the presentation of Integrated Child and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-4) care kits for the Adamawa Hope Center donated by Pro-Health International Africa, as part of activities to mark the 2021 16 days Activism to end GBV.

“HIV is not the end of life,” he said, adding that GBV play key role in increasing HIV transmission in the society, hence the need for everyone to contribute towards ending the menace in the state and country at large.

Idriss also called on the GBV subsectors and partners to bring more support by creating awareness towards addressing the menace and ensure justice for the survivors.

He further urged people to speak out on the issues of GBV to enable them to access free services at the Hope Center.

In her remarks, Mrs Saso Ali, Permanent Secretary, Adamawa State Ministry of Women Affairs also called for snergy and collaborative effort to address the challenge of GBV.

According to her, GVB cases are on the increase as they received report on daily basis in the state.

Ali commended the Pro-Health International Africa for the support and solicited for more.

Also speaking, Dr Saxena Usha, Manager of the Center, lauded the gesture and pleaged to ensure effective utilisation of the kits.

She said the kits would go along way in supporting the survivors, adding that the center was offering medical check ups, drugs and counseling services among others.

It was reported that the donated items included desktop computers, chairs and GBV kits to enhance free services to the survivors.