Tension in Anmabra as 31,000 people tests HIV Positive today, Obiano alarmed

www.odogwublog.com reports that Governor Willie Obiano was alarmed today when he heard over 31,000 people tested positive in Anambra state. The gist below

Stakeholders Meeting on Implementation of Anambra State HIV/AIDS Sustainability Roadmap yesterday advocated for increased engagement of the private sector towards achieving sustained domestic funding of HIV response in the state.

The meeting which was held in Awka and sponsored by the Family Health International, FHI360 in collaboration with the state government observed that HIV response in Anambra state has benefitted largely from foreign donor-funding without a sustainability plan at the time of donor funding time out.

It agreed that given the dwindling financing from external sources, private sector funding as part of corporate social responsibility is crucial as it would help to sustain prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS patients long after the exit of foreign donor partners.

In his presentation during the meeting, the representative of Country Director, FHI360 and Director, Health Systems Strengthening and Laboratory Services, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim stated that within the period of the agency's intervention in Anambra State, over 660,000 persons have received HIV testing and counseling services. Out of this number, over 31,000 of them were identified as HIV positive while 22,045 adults and children received anti retro viral treatment.

Dr Ibrahim commended the state government for intensifying the fight against HIV response. He said that out of the thirteen states in the federation where the agency intervenes, only Anambra state has four CD4 machines for HIV/AIDS testing which according to him is an indication of the state's preparedness to fight HIV scourge in the state.

A press statement from a Permanent Secretary  in Anambra state Government, Emeka Ohuoha states that present at the meeting were the state commissioner for economic planning, budget and development partners, Mr Mark Okoye and the commissioner for health, Dr. Joe Akabuike among other government officials.
Photo: Sir Abana addressing the members of the support group during the visit, with him are Rev. Cannon Cypril Nwankwo, Resourse Personnel of the Foundation (right) and other members of the foundati