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| Dr Betta Edu (standing) addressing PACF IMPACT project meeting |
Charles Ekanem|14 June 2017
As part of effort to eliminate HIV infection among Nigerian Children and prevent positive mothers from transmitting the disease to their unborn babies, a stakeholders meeting was held at City Gate Hotels, Calabar with key stakeholders from various MDAs and Primary Health Care Staff selected from facilities where the PACF IMPACT project will be undertaken.
Speaking, Dr Betta Edu said elimination of HIV infections in Cross River State is one of the priorities of the State while advising them to also work closely with SMOH, SACA and other relevant NGOs on Prevention of Mother To Child Ttransmission of HIV in communities. She charged the Impact consortium to always share data and report gotten from their work with the state for records purpose and documentation.
She noted that the project will improve access to prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), Ante Natal Care (as delivery kits will be provided in this facilities as incentives for mothers), increase access to family planning services and Comprehensive treatment/ support for HIV patient which will contribute to the elimination of new HIV infections in Cross River
The DG passionately spoke to the health workers, appealing to them to treat HIV patient with all dignity and give them support the need or they will run from health centers and resort to traditional medicine or TBAs which is dangerous. “no matter how much state government and partners invest in fight against HOV/AIDS if you don’t show them care and empathy, our investments will not produce results.
Earlier Speaking, Project Coordinator, Mr Patrick Onen said the project is planned to reach not less than 48,803 direct beneficiaries comprising pregnant women living with HIV and other women of childbearing age including those living in rural, hard to reach LGAs and communities in Cross River State.
He further stated that Commodities such as contraceptives, female condoms, drugs, telephone for centers, delivery kits etc will be provided to supported facilities.
Their package was unveiled by the Hon. Commissioner For Health Department Inyang Asibong who was represented by Dr Joseph Bassey the PS SMOH and supported by DG PHC, Dr Betta Edu and DG SACA Mrs Rosemary Iyambi
Also Present at the meeting were Executive Director of Dreamboat Foundation, PHC Cordinators Heads of facility and a host of others.
Charles Ekanem
Writes from Calabar