World AIDS Day: Expectant Mothers Advised To Embrace Free Maternal, Under-five Programme In Delta
Afimag.com –
Delta State government, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has advised expectant mothers and guidance to take advantage of the government’s free maternal and under five programme in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme gave the advice on December 02, 2023, during a state-wide broadcast in Asaba, monitored by Africa Investigative Magazine.
According to Onojaeme, it is a top priority to prevent transmission of infectious diseases from expectant mothers to child.
He said, “Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of the HIV virus is a top priority and as such, every pregnant woman irrespective of area of registration, whether in government facilities, traditional birth attendant homes or maternity homes, should make themselves available for HIV counseling and testing as they are completely free in Delta State.”
He added that government has made invaluable progress in areas of prevention and treatment which included the recent innovations in the response through the introduction of the HIV Self-Testing, which has been launched in the State and added that Self-Testing Kits have been utilized among the adolescent and pediatric.
He revealed that efforts at combating the disease have yielded fruits which has resulted in the State moving from HIV/AIDS high burdened State to a maintenance State, implying near epidemic control.
“All persons living with HIV on treatment in the State, are 95% virally suppressed and are not likely to transmit the virus.
“This administration is committed to ending the HIV pandemic by providing the platform for those living with the virus to be heard at all levels. We renew our commitment to work with our diverse stakeholder communities to end the HIV pandemic in our dear State and country” the Commissioner assured.
The theme for this year’s celebration: ‘Communities: Leadership to end AIDS by 2030′ is very key to facing the realities of ending the AIDs pandemic.