Nnamani urges people to know their HIV/AIDS status
December 5, 2006

Governor Nnamani stated this through the Commissioner of Health Dr. Festus Uzoh during the World AIDS Day celebration at Okpara Square Enugu.

The Governor noted with satisfaction the enthusiasm with which people respond to the Free Voluntary counseling and testing service provided by Enugu State Action Committee on AIDS (ENSACA) at Parklane Teaching Hospital, Poly-Clinic, FSP Clinic, Uwani, and Abakpa Nike Health Center as part of the World AIDS Day celebration.

Governor Nnamani disclosed that Government took a deliberate decision to expand the health sector-led HIV/AIDS response to the multi sectoral response through the re-constitution of ENSACA and the creating enabling environment for it to discharge its duties effectively.

According to the Governor, "I am happy to observe that ENSACA has made efforts to develop the necessary competence to coordinate, facilitate, monitor and evaluate HIV/AIDS programmes in the state."

He used the occasion to thank the development partners particularly the NSR, PATHS, DFID, UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, GLRA, SFH and all the stakeholders for their contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Enugu State.

Earlier in his speech, the Executive Secretary of ENSACA Dr. Chris Ani said that the current activities in the multi-sectoral response will include the provision of the enabling environment, aggressive strengthening of coordination and facilitation of HIV/AIDS programmes in the state.

Dr. Ani also disclosed the ENSACA's proactive and strategic reinvigoration of the public/private and civil society response that would facilitate the achievement of HIV/AIDS free society in line with UN General Assembly Special Session Declaration 2010 and the HIV/AIDS components of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The ENSACA Executive Secretary also said that December 1, every year, has been declared World AIDS Day, adding that the theme for this year's commemoration is STOP AIDS; KEEP THE PROMISE. "Accountability with particular focus on voluntary counseling and testing will continue to remain relevant if we are to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence, incidence and impacts on our people," Dr. Ani said.

He therefore enjoined the people to go on voluntary AIDS test and counseling to know their status, adopt better behavioral practices, ensure early management of opportunistic infections, get antiretroviral drugs and other medical management which is a critical step in reversing this ugly scenario.

He announced that there are five free voluntary AIDS testing centers in Enugu Metropolis.

In their separate speeches, the development partners urged the people to now their HIV/AID status and modify their lifestyle accordingly.

Mr. Joseph Umoabasi of DFID South East Zone, Mr. Sonny Chijioke of Response for HIV, Mr. Ubani Humphrey of Enugu Coalition Support for HIV and Mr. Onwe of Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Alleviation also gave the same message.