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Tag: Betta Edu

  • UAE, other global initiatives partners support strategy to reduce multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria

    UAE, other global initiatives partners support strategy to reduce multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed readiness to partner with the federal government in tackling humanitarian and poverty challenges in Nigeria. It commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s efforts so far in that direction.

    UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, made this known when he led a team from the embassy and Noor Dubai Foundation to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja.

    The Envoy who described the relationship between his country and Nigeria as symbiotic, said; “Nigeria remains a strong ally of UAE and we would continue to partner with Nigeria in key areas like humanitarian aid, job creation, Nutrition, health care development, and poverty alleviation.”

    Responding, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, applauded the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their timely interventions in critical sectors in Nigeria. The Minister specifically thanked the Ambassador and his team for taking steps to support Nigeria in many ways. She noted that the President has a great plan to eradicate Poverty under his 8-point agenda and has begun full implementation as such it is important that they identify areas to collaborate for the good of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves creation of Civil Service Commission for FCT

    Also Speaking, the CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation, Dr. Manal Taryam, said the Foundation has been on humanitarian-related interventions including an eye treatment program which commenced with Katsina State while Lagos and Abuja will soon be launched. She said the Dubai Foundation has several areas, that directly link to the ministry’s mandate and will be happy to support.

    Present at the meeting was the SSA to the President on Community Engagement SW Hon. Moremi Ojodu and the SSA on School Feeding Hon. Yetunde, among others.

  • President Tinubu includes veterans, families of fallen heroes in Conditional Cash Transfer, other social intervention programmes

    President Tinubu includes veterans, families of fallen heroes in Conditional Cash Transfer, other social intervention programmes

    Federal Government Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has included vulnerable ex-servicemen, widows, and dependants of fallen heroes in the National Social Register (NSR) to benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and other Social Intervention programmes.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu disclosed this during an official visit to the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Edu said the Federal Government has expanded the welfare scheme to accommodate ex-servicemen, their widows, and dependants in fulfillment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to Nigerians.

    The Minister said the innovation became necessary to include those who paid the supreme price for the sustenance of the peace of the country and their dependants to serve as a morale booster for those currently securing the country.

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    She sought for the accurate data of the affected ex-servicemen and their dependants to enable them to be captured in the ongoing National Social Register verification exercise.

    ”This scheme is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and am here to inform you that the program has been expanded to accommodate retired personnel of the Ministry of Defence mostly families of those who lost their lives in the course of defending our Country.

    “Their wives can use this to start small businesses that can help their children stay in School provide Basic Health Care and even sustain their families.

    The Minister said the Federal Government has created the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP) which is geared towards helping Small Scale Businesses and boosting the welfare of Nigeria market women and farmers which the ex-servicemen and widows can key into.

    Dr Edu equally called on the Ministry of Defence to collaborate with the Humanitarian Ministry to ensure that President Bola Ahmed succeeds in the eradication of poverty in Nigeria.

    She reiterated her Ministry’s readiness to ensure that those who served the Country meritoriously and died in active service are not left behind in the scheme. The Minister also requested the Defence Minister to provide adequate security cover for Humanitarian workers while carrying out their national assignment in all of the States that are prone to insecurity.

    In his response, the Hon. Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said the visit was timely and thanked Dr. Edu for including the retirees in the welfare scheme which he said, will go a long way to Renew the Hopes of retired officers and their families and will also motivate the working officers to secure the Nigeria territorial integrity.

    The Defence Minister who was accompanied at the event with his Minister for State, Bello Mattawale, assured that the Defence Ministry will collaborate with its  Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation counterpart to ensure proper coordination of the scheme.

    “We want you to send our sincere appreciation to Mr. President for doing the exceptional by considering us, we thank him for giving you this opportunity to help the nation, and we also thank God for allowing you to be very innovative on the job that you’re doing. When you met the Chief of Defence Staff, words got to us that you are supporting the military, all our team became delighted,” he said.

    On his part, the Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Maj. General Abdulmalik Jubril (RTD), thanked President Bola Tinubu and Dr Edu, for the innovation saying, “This has never happened before.”

    He said the Nigeria Legion is the last hope for retired officers who keep increasing in number.

    The legion, he added will need health care, welfare, and a means of livelihood for its members.

    “These arms of the Military (Army, Airforce, and Navy) retirees need government support as gestures like this have not been given to us before including the wives and families of our fallen heroes.”

  • Betta Edu, Zamfara Gov Flag Off National Social Register Verification In Gusau, Zamfara

    Betta Edu, Zamfara Gov Flag Off National Social Register Verification In Gusau, Zamfara

    …Governor Lawal Describes Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister As Positive Agent Of Renewed Hope Agenda

    Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu and the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal have flagged off the verification of the National Social Register in Gusau, the state capital, with the Governor eulogising Dr Edu as the “Positive agent of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    Speaking during the flag off in Government House Gusau, thursday evening, the Minister bemoaned the huge humanitarian crises facing Zamfara and promised that President Tinubu has directed her Ministry to work with the state government to alleviate the humanitarian and poverty challenges facing the people.

    According to the Minister, “Zamfara needs immediate support, it is one of the states that in recent times have been affected by humanitarian crises. It has always been a flashpoint.

    “We are very confident that we will be able to meet your needs and fulfil our obligations and commitments which is President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s resolve to reduce humanitarian crises and eradicate poverty in the country as encapsulated in his 8 points Renewed Hope Agenda.

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    “Because it calls for a sense of urgency, President Tinubu has directed that we must work harder to ensure that Zamfara residents fully benefits from all the intervention schemes of the federal government.”

    The Minister stressed President Tinubu’s desire to see that every poor vulnerable Nigerian,  wherever they may be in the country is pulled out of poverty. She introduced the verification team and charged the officials to be sincere and transparent in updating the Social Register.

    She said the flag-off of the National Social Register in Gusau, Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, has clearly shown that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu has no political inclination.

    The Minister Promised the People of Zamfara State that the urgency their humanitarian needs deserves will be addressed, promising that aside the expansion of the National Social Register, the state will be properly captured in all the federal government social intervention programmes.

    Responding, Governor Lawal lauded Dr Edu’s zeal and dexterity in ensuring she delivered the mandate of her Ministry.

    “In you, we see the positive agent of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Honestly, I’m impressed with what you are doing across the country”.

    “Taking the pains to visit us here in Zamfars shows Mr President’s love and concern for the people of the state and we thank you for that.

    “Zamfara has suffered, in terms of insecurity and humanitarian crisis in the last 10years and I call on the federal government to do more to secure the lives and properties of our people, while asking for more social and capital investment in Zamfara State to take our people out of humanitarian crises and poverty.

    Speaking further, the Zamfara State’s number one citizen assured the Minister that the state would deliver to her Ministry, accurate data on vulnerable citizens needing the various social intervention schemes of the federal government including the Conditional Cash Transfer, (CCT) devoid of personal or political interest, but people who are truly poor.

    He expressed gratitude to Mr President and  the Minister for making the social intervention schemes available to the vulnerable indigenes of the state saying his administration was ready to partner with the Federal Government to ensure their successful implementation.

    Earlier in his remarks, the National Programme Coordinator, National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO), Hon. Abdulaziz Danladi, said the team have been in Zamfara in different communities to verify and update the National Social Register in collaboration with the state government.

    Danladi said ,the data of the Social Register met on ground in Zamfara State was very encouraging, hence making their huge responsibility reduced.

    He revealed to the Minister and the Governor, the collaboration between the federal and the state team working together to get an accurate and acceptable register for Nigerians living in Zamfara State.

  • Betta Edu Meets, Interacts With Rescued Federal University Gusau Students

    Betta Edu Meets, Interacts With Rescued Federal University Gusau Students

    …Assures Them Of FG’s Immediate Humanitarian Assistance

    Emotions ran high Thursday when the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu met with the rescued students of the Federal University Gusau and assured them of improved security and immediate humanitarian response to support their recovery process.

    Dare-devil bandits had recently struck at the University and kidnapped twenty five (25) female students in their hostels. However, sixteen of them have been rescued by security forces.

    Speaking when she took the message of Renewed Hope to the Management and Students of the Federal University of Gusau, in company of the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, the Minister said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu was concerned by the unfortunate incident adding that he would ensure the safe return of the remaining students.

    Edu who personally interacted with some of the rescued students one  after the other, said both Federal and State government are working together to improve Security in Zamfara State in particular and Northwest in general.

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    According to her, “I bring you the assurance of the President, that those remaining students will be back. The President has put in place a security architecture in collaboration with Zamfara State government  that will safeguards lives and property.

    She said one of the eight-point agenda of President Tinubu and indeed the primary agenda of government is  Security and the welfare of its people.

    “I want to assure you that our children, our students will come back home and get back to school to continue their education.”

    “The President has assured us of improved security across the country to reduce humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty, we hope that  very soon, the remaining nine students in captivity will soon be released.

    “For the students, do not be deterred by the incident and continue to pursue your education, where necessary, we will ensure their full rehabilitation and reintegration to enable them continue their studies. Our President believes in Education, he has made provision for Student Loans and Scholarships to assist the education of young people.

    On his part, Governor Lawal commended Dr. Edu for taking the pains “to visit us over the ugly incident that happened 10 days ago.”

    The Governor assured that the State Government will continue in its efforts to work with the Federal Government to create a conducive learning environment and will also do its best to protect the lives and properties of the people which is the primary function of government.

    Lawal who said Zamfara Needs help from the federal government, said the coming of the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister was an indication of a better collaboration from the federal government led by President Tinubu.

    The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Gusau, Professor Muazu Abubakar Gusau, said the management of the  university was delighted to receive the Minister at this trying time.

    Professor Gusau, recounted the ordeals the institution has encountered in the hands of bandits in times past even before this administration and called for increased security for the institution.

    The VC appealed to Dr. Edu to factor in the University in her Ministry’s several intervention schemes.

    The institution Student Union Representatives led by Comrade Bello Aliyu, Commended the Minister for visiting them in their trying period, asking that the students should be accommodated in the National Social Investment Programmes of the Federal government. The victims of the incident also met with the Minister who is supporting them directly and will provide for some psychosocial therapy to help with quick recovery and reintegration.

  • Conditional Cash Transfer: Vulnerable pensioners will receive N25,000 grants from next month, Betta Edu tells NLC

    Conditional Cash Transfer: Vulnerable pensioners will receive N25,000 grants from next month, Betta Edu tells NLC

    The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will from next month start payment of twenty five thousand Naira (25,000) grants to the benefiting  members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners captured in the expanded National Social Register of the Conditional Cash Transfer, (CCT) Scheme.

    Minister For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, announced  this Wednesday when she met with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC led by its President Joe Ajaero at the Labour House, Abuja.

    The Minister explained that the decision to include vulnerable pensioners in the CCT scheme was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to labour leaders which he will deliver on.

    Edu told the NLC that “The President mentioned very clearly that vulnerable pensioners should be immediately captured on the National Social Register and benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer, as part of the National Social Safety Net expansion and this was made clear in his speech on Independence Day where he committed 25,000 Naira for 15million household for three months.”

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    She appealed to the NLC to help fast-track the process of collating Data of would-be vulnerable pensioners beneficiaries so that they can start receiving CCT.

    “I want us to fast-track this. If we can get this data and information within two weeks, we are sure that you will be beneficiaries immediately and  you can  start earning from next month which is November, that’s the main reason why I’m here”,  Dr. Edu said.

    She commended Ajaero for being a team player, saying the task of moving Nigeria forward was a collective one and urged him to continue to have faith in the federal government under President Tinubu.

    Responding, Ajaero expressed delight at the various poverty alleviation schemes rolled out by the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry and the passion and commitment the Minister has for the job.

    He was however of the view that getting to the root cause of poverty would go a long way in addressing the problem.

    “Let’s look at not only how to solve this problem, but the cause of it, if we continue to treat the effects of poverty the problem will persist. Let us look at other social welfare interventions and job creation that will go a long way to support families.

    The NLC boss urged the federal government to create more jobs by creating a productive economy where factories are functioning and employing workers.

    He thanked the Minister for being the first member of the federal executive council to visit the labour house in President Tinubu’s Administration, saying “for finding time to visit the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we will work with you to achieve success in this process and your impact will be felt.

    President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Godwin Abumisi, thanked President Tinubu and the Minister for finding the retirees worthy of the federal government benefits.

    He said pensioners received as low as  between five and ten thousand Naira a month, saying twenty five thousand is a big money to them. He thanked the Minister for the Exceptional performance so far urging her to keep up the speed.

  • UK Govt promises support to Humanitarian And Poverty Alleviation Ministry

    UK Govt promises support to Humanitarian And Poverty Alleviation Ministry

    The United Kingdom has pledged to support the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in its drive to reduce humanitarian crises and end poverty in Nigeria.

    Development Director, British High Commission, Abuja, Dr Christopher Pycrof made this known  when he paid a visit to the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu in her office.

    Pycrof assured the Minister that the British government would place at her disposal any assistance her Ministry might require to succeed in its mandate.

    According to him, “I just like to make it absolutely clear to you that the UK Government will provide you with support, we have a team which is focused both on the humanitarian side but also increasingly on the development side as well.

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    “So we are looking at working to provide durable solutions and we should be able to reduce that sense of separation between the need to provide lifesaving humanitarian support on one hand, and then the need to provide development support on the other.

    “We see it as a holistic approach for people to be in humanitarian need for as little time as possible, to work with them to be able to achieve sustainable livelihoods, durable solutions, and then development which benefits everybody here in Nigeria. We have a lot of expertise which I would make available to support the ministry.

    Describing the Minister’s job as “one of the most complicated jobs in government”,  Pycrof commended Edu for the excellent manner she has so far piloted the affairs of the Ministry stating that her passion and commitment will make a big difference.

    “I think it’s probably safe to say that you’ve got one of the most complicated jobs in government. Not only have you got responsibility for dealing with the humanitarian situation, but then the poverty alleviation agenda means that you’re also going to be involved in financial issues, in health, agriculture, education, infrastructure and employment etc. And you must coordinate from federal government with the State governments as well,” Pycrof said.

    Responding, Dr. Edu expressed immense gratitude to the UK government for the great support and partnership over the years. She was optimistic that working together would birth a better result for Nigeria.

    “We are really very grateful to the UK for continuous support. President Bola Tinubu has carefully selected his agenda to meet the needs of Nigerians in a sustainable manner. His priorities are to eradicate poverty, ensure food security, create jobs and protect the citizens of this country. Nations and development partners must key into this agenda for better coordination and impact. We are glad that you have committed to supporting the Ministry, we urgently require that support to make an impact.

    The Ministry will work with other line Ministries, the State Government, Local Government and development partners including great nations like yours to achieve the needed results,” said the Minister.

  • FG Partners UAE On Humanitarian And Poverty Alleviation Support Programmes

    FG Partners UAE On Humanitarian And Poverty Alleviation Support Programmes

    …Says Climate Change Also Responsible For Humanitarian Crises And Poverty In Nigeria

    The United Arab Emirates has expressed its readiness to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by contributing to every effort that will lead to a reduction of humanitarian crises as well as eradicate poverty in Nigeria by 2030.

    UAE’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al- Shamsi made this known when he received the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu in his office.

    The envoy who described Nigeria as “my country” said, “I am very committed to Nigeria because I am representing the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria. Nigerians are the nicest people I have ever met.” He promised to convey the request to support the federal government initiative in tackling hunger, poverty, and humanitarian challenges facing the country to the necessary authorities, assuring that the partnership will work.

    He invited the Minister to attend the UN Climate Change Cop 28 to be hosted by the Government of the UAE, explaining that the meeting will bring together world leaders committed to tackle issues around climate change which has led to natural disasters which has exposed many to humanitarian crises and poverty, H.E Al-Shamsi stressed.

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    Speaking, the Minister said that her visit to the Ambassador was a follow-up on the discussion they had with the UAE Government at the UNGA meeting. She said Nigeria – UAE bilateral cooperation has made the two countries recognize their areas of common comparative advantages.

    According to the Minister, climate change is one of the factors responsible for the humanitarian and poverty crisis in Nigeria. With the floods, drying up of the lake chad basin and other natural disasters associated with climate change, many Nigerians have been displaced and have lost their sources of livelihood resulting in humanitarian crises and poverty.

    She assured the Ambassador that she would be in the team led by President Bola Tinubu to attend the Cop 28 which will be the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference.

    “Climate change is one of the factors responsible for Humanitarian Crises and multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria. This is evident from temperature increase, rainfall variability, drought, desertification, rising sea levels, erosion, floods, thunderstorms, bushfires, landslides, land degradation, more frequent, extreme weather conditions, and loss of biodiversity as well as drying of the Lake chad basin by climate change”, she maintained.

    All these factors according to Dr. Edu,  continue to negatively affect on the population. The President is committed to addressing this and the UAE should support.

  • Edu Announces Restructuring Of National Safety Net Programme

    Edu Announces Restructuring Of National Safety Net Programme

    …Says N-power, Others Were Established To Create Jobs, Provide Succour And Not Cause Pains For Nigerians

    Nigerian Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has announced new cluster heads of programme under the National Social Safety Net Programme in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Speaking while addressing management and staff of the programmes in Abuja, the Minister said the changes became necessary to give new energy and sense of direction with desired results. There is no tolerance for excuse or failure.

    Edu said the N-power and other Social Safety-Nets programmes were rolled out to create jobs and not pains for Nigerians, reminding them that their appointments is under probation for a period of six months.

    She warned that anyone who performed below expectations would be replaced, directing all of them to go to the field where the poor people live and not sit in their air-conditioned offices in Abuja. “Every day, you must be out on the field achieving results. Nigerians are waiting. We have zero tolerance for inefficiency, excuses, and failure. We need results and verifiable results.”

    Read Also: Dr Betta Edu inaugurates Programme Coordinators into Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

    The Minister explained that with over 70million extremely poor who are living below 1.95cents per day, it was clear that the old strategies must give way to a practical and acceptable approach in line with the vision of the President.

    “The priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda aims at lifting 133 million Nigerians out of multi-dimensional poverty. We are restructuring the programs under the National Social Investment Programme to bring speed and realignment to the new mandate. Some program implementation has been delayed for two years; things must change and be done differently to get better results.”

    The restructured programs will target the relevant people, be transparent and accountable, and rebuild the trust of the people in the government again.

    Continuing, she said; “Beneficiaries of the programme must be willing to sign full Disclosure. So they are verifiable by anyone.

    ‘We need to be more effective, imbibe private sector mentality, be flexible and have a team spirit mentality.

    “NSIP and other programs will be expanded. Names of the programmes will be changed, such as Renewed Hope GEEP Programme, Renewed Hope Job Creation Scheme(NPower), Renewed Hope for At Risk Children, Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for Refuges, Poor and IDPs, Renewed Hope Community and Social Development, National Cash Transfer Office and Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups.

    “We are changing the model. We are changing implementation strategy, and we need to make it work at all cost. I will not hesitate to change anyone underperforming until the result is given,” she stated.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon Abel Enitan commended the Minister for her foresight for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Enitan assured the Minister of the support of the ministry’s staff and top management officers to actualize the set objectives.

  • Dr Betta Edu inaugurates Programme Coordinators into Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

    Dr Betta Edu inaugurates Programme Coordinators into Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

    The Nigerian Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has sworn in unit heads and cluster executives under her ministry to help redeem the dignity of zero and low income earners across the country.

    In a much historic event held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Edu urged the new heads to kick start their duties immediately with optimism, transparency and total dedication.

    She noted that, with over 75 million Nigerians living below the poverty index, the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope initiative is set to create a lasting to issues of Malnutrition among young school and out of school children Internally displacement people, youth and unemployed adults.

    She urged them to work harmoniously with other affiliate members to bring succor to the lives of the poor by regularly positioning themselves in the field for proper and immediate contact with the targeted population.

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    Among those inaugurated are the National Head of Office, National Conditional Cash Transfer, Dr Michael Ajuluchuku, Deputy Head of Office/Deputy National Coordinator
    Dr Janet Ekpenyong, a seasoned Medical Doctor, health Financing specialist, experienced programme mangager and a Philanthropist  from Cross River State. Also inaugurated are Engr Mrs Anjor Obandi (Home Grown school feeding program), Mr Richard Romanus (YESSO Project), Dr Echeri Ansa (Renewed Hope Initiative for out of school children), amongst others.

  • CRSPHCDA Partners Positive Care And Development Foundation to Fight HIV/AIDS

    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