NGO provides care for 1,053 HIV/AIDS clients in Enugu State
The South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), an NGO, says it has provided HIV/AIDS care to 1,053 positive beneficiaries in Enugu State communities.
Its Executive Director, Dr Stanley Ilechukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday that the organisation had provided care for financially vulnerable people since February 2020.
Ilechukwu spoke on the side-lines of World AIDS Day, commemorated every Dec. 1.
He said that SSDO had been providing care through its Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme, adding that the programme was being executed in partnership with Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria.
He noted that 10,112 beneficiaries had enrolled in the OVC programme targeted at vulnerable children and youths living with HIV and AIDS.
“The OVC programme is a global action towards HIV control in sub-national units in Nigeria. The programme is currently running in communities in Enugu State.
“It is a comprehensive HIV and AIDS care, treatment, and prevention programme.
“It has a vision of achieving an HIV and AIDS-free generation through programming for orphaned children made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS.
“More than 10,112 beneficiaries have enrolled in the OVC programme so far; while 96 per cent of the 1,053 beneficiaries have attained viral load suppression.
“Forty-two 42 beneficiaries were provided with cash transfers; while 67 beneficiaries received Income Generating Activities (IGA) and food support.
“Two-hundred-and-thirty-four beneficiaries received transport support from the programme so far,’’ he said.
Ilechukwu also urged Nigerians to be part of the programme’s vision and play their part in ending inequality in access to HIV and AIDS care.
He noted that with care and support “there is the possibility of ending AIDS by 2030’’.
“Growing inequalities in access to health services and attention have been the biggest challenge facing the eradication of HIV and AIDS worldwide,’’ Ilechukwu added. (NAN)
