Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/10/10/nigeria-second-to-sa-in-spread-of-hivaids-minister/
Nigeria second to S/A in spread of HIV/AIDS ? Minister
National News Oct 10, 2009
By Laide Akinboade & Matina Okeke
ABUJA ? Nigeria has been rated second to South Africa with high prevalence of people ravaged by Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV), and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), (HIV/AIDS).
Minister of State for Information and Communications, Alhaji Aliyu Bilbis stated this at the commemoration of ? 2009 World Post Day? and the launch of HIV/AIDS national prevention campaign in Abuja, with the theme, ?Environmental Protection ? Reduce Greenhouse Emission?.
As a result of the scourge of the disease in Nigeria, the Universal Postal Union [UPU] has selected the country as one of the nations for special collaboration with relevant agencies to reduce the scourge.
Other nations selected include, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, China Estonia and Mali. ?The response to HIV/AIDS is a collective one.
The attainment of our vision of becoming one of the strongest economies in the world can only be realized with a healthy workforce.
A healthy workforce is an important ingredient of real economic growth, social progress and improved standard of living.?
Lamenting government?s helplessness in the fight against the scourge, the minister said 33 million people are living with the disease, with 67% living in Africa and 700,000 of the 33 million in Europe.
In 2007, two million people died of AIDS and it is estimated that 7,500 people are infected daily.
?It may interest you to learn that Nigeria?s selection as a partner in the global campaign was based on the fact that the country has demonstrated dynamism and commitment to reduce the spread of the pandemic. Of the seven pilot nations, the HIV prevalence in Nigeria is discouraging.
He continued, Whereas China with a population of 1.3 billion has 700,000 people living with HIV, Nigeria has 2.6 million persons living with HIV out of her population of 140 million people. Brazil has a population of 192million but has only 730,000 people living with HIV.
Nigeria?s neighbour; Cameroon with a population of 18.5million has 540,000 people living with HIV. Globally, Nigeria is second only to Republic of South Africa regarding the numbers of persons living with HIV.?
He urged all Nigerians to corporate with the Federal Government in investing in human capital development.
Earlier in his welcome address the Postmaster General, Mallam Ibrahim Baba, said the campaign is meant to wage war against the spread of HIV/AIDS. He said the war must not be seen as a ?decisive war that must be fought but must be won?.
Nigeria second to S/A in spread of HIV/AIDS ? Minister
National News Oct 10, 2009
By Laide Akinboade & Matina Okeke
ABUJA ? Nigeria has been rated second to South Africa with high prevalence of people ravaged by Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV), and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), (HIV/AIDS).
Minister of State for Information and Communications, Alhaji Aliyu Bilbis stated this at the commemoration of ? 2009 World Post Day? and the launch of HIV/AIDS national prevention campaign in Abuja, with the theme, ?Environmental Protection ? Reduce Greenhouse Emission?.
As a result of the scourge of the disease in Nigeria, the Universal Postal Union [UPU] has selected the country as one of the nations for special collaboration with relevant agencies to reduce the scourge.
Other nations selected include, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, China Estonia and Mali. ?The response to HIV/AIDS is a collective one.
The attainment of our vision of becoming one of the strongest economies in the world can only be realized with a healthy workforce.
A healthy workforce is an important ingredient of real economic growth, social progress and improved standard of living.?
Lamenting government?s helplessness in the fight against the scourge, the minister said 33 million people are living with the disease, with 67% living in Africa and 700,000 of the 33 million in Europe.
In 2007, two million people died of AIDS and it is estimated that 7,500 people are infected daily.
?It may interest you to learn that Nigeria?s selection as a partner in the global campaign was based on the fact that the country has demonstrated dynamism and commitment to reduce the spread of the pandemic. Of the seven pilot nations, the HIV prevalence in Nigeria is discouraging.
He continued, Whereas China with a population of 1.3 billion has 700,000 people living with HIV, Nigeria has 2.6 million persons living with HIV out of her population of 140 million people. Brazil has a population of 192million but has only 730,000 people living with HIV.
Nigeria?s neighbour; Cameroon with a population of 18.5million has 540,000 people living with HIV. Globally, Nigeria is second only to Republic of South Africa regarding the numbers of persons living with HIV.?
He urged all Nigerians to corporate with the Federal Government in investing in human capital development.
Earlier in his welcome address the Postmaster General, Mallam Ibrahim Baba, said the campaign is meant to wage war against the spread of HIV/AIDS. He said the war must not be seen as a ?decisive war that must be fought but must be won?.