ODSACA/NGO SENSITISES MOST AT RISK MEN ON HIV/AIDS

ODSACA/NGO SENSITISES MOST AT RISK MEN ON HIV/AIDS
In its drive to ensure zero tolerance to HIV new infections and access to mobile HIV counseling and testing to every category of people in the state, the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) in collaboration with Girls To Women Research and Development Centre, a non governmental organization has carried out a minimum prevention package for Most At Risk men in Ondo West and Akure South Local government areas of the state.
The prevention intervention programme which was carried out by Girls to Women Research Development Centre with the mandate of the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS, through a World Bank assisted project was aimed at ensuring behavioural maintenance activities, prompt HIV counseling and testing, management of sexually transmitted diseases, end to stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV and the need for the most at risk men in the society to know their HIV status.
Addressing the participants, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, ODSACA, Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, observed that though the participants have been trained on HIV counseling and testing, they need to keep to the minimum prevention standard, so as to impart on the society.
The Secretary to the State Government who was represented by Community Mobilisation Officer of ODSACA, Mrs. Funmilade Akinrelere, called on them to adequately utilize the knowledge gained in the programme and imbibe good behavioural attitude capable of adding to them.
He urged them to inform other members of the society that are most at risk to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS, zero tolerance and bringing the prevalence down in Ondo State.
Speaking, the Executive Director, Girls to Women Research and Development Centre, Mrs. Olamide Falana, said the organization will continue to ensure qualitative care for the common people through evidence based developments intervention, stressing that the training will secure their future by ensuring good attitude that will better their health and ensure HIV free society.
She appealed to the most at risk men to be conscious of their health and activities, as this has direct link with their future.
Similarly, a facilitator, Dr. Tunde Ajidagba, said the training focus on management of sexually transmitted diseases, as it prone vulnerable persons to HIV, stating that the training will widen their horizon on the need to live safe and thus protecting the population from the scourge of HIV.

Ayokunle Ikusemiju,
Press Officer,
Office of the SSG.