National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, has renewed its commitment to fighting the dreaded HIV/AIDS in Nigeria through the prompt care of over 3.5 million people living in Nigeria with HIV/AIDS.
This was against the backdrop of protest carried out on Monday by over 300 HIV Patients Nigerians, alleging neglect and inability of NACA to implement the Presidential Comprehensive Response on HIV/AIDS and non availability of anti retroviral drugs.
In a statement made available to Nigerian Pilot yesterday in Abuja, the Head, Communication Unit, NACA, Mrs. Toyin Aderingbe said the protest embarked upon by the HIV positive patients was as a result of gap in communication between the leadership of patients under the aegis of Network of Persons Living With HIV/AIDS, NEPWHAN, and the management of NACA, saying that the rift has been resolved accordingly.
In her reaction on behalf of the DG of NACA, Professor John Idoko, Mrs Aderingbe said, “the following facts need to be put in proper perspective as regards this protest. NACA under the stewardship of Professor John Idoko would remain committed to fighting AIDS to a finish in Nigeria.
“That the execution of the PCRP funds beginning with Abia and Taraba as pilot schemes will be extended to all remaining states, as soon as any identified teething problems are resolved. That the protest by NEPWHAN is timely and appropriate as this would attract needed attention to the dwindling support opportunities for HIV/AIDS fight.
Staff of NACA were on Monday shut out of their office by over 300 HIV patients protesting neglect by the agency saddled with the task of seeking their welfare.
