Keep the Promise to AIDS is a Video Campaign launched by the AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF) in Abuja on Monday.
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| Photo: Noble Prize Winner, Prof. Wole Soyinka /List.ng |
The Noble Prize Winner said the government was not unaware of the level of affliction the spread of the virus has caused as well as the devastation in the country.
“The government has made promises; they have the power to step down the epidemic.
“You witness campaigns by voluntary bodies urging save and responsible lifestyle among the most vulnerable youths.
“These campaigns need official backing and resources let this be a commitment and moral duty to implement plans that would wipe out AIDS within this generation.
“You have global obligations, fulfil them and keep your promises,’’ Soyinka appealed.
Dr. Echey Ijezie, the Program Director of AHF also laid emphasis on the need to fill the funding gap in the HIV and AIDS response in the country.
He also urged the federal and state governments as well as stakeholders to try as much as possible to fulfill the promise on treatment and management of HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Ijezie also pointed out that AHF will continue to advocate by speaking about the strains, challenges and gaps in treatment, standing against discrimination and ensuring that love is shown to persons living with HIV ,’’ he said.
Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, the Publisher of Premium Times, who also spoke during the video campaign, charged journalists to hold people in government accountable for lapses in health budgetary provisions at national and state levels.
The media is the only body guaranteed by case law, treaty and constitution to hold people in government and its institutions accountable, he said.
“Our first responsibility as journalists is regards the massive donor inflows that has supported the management of HIV and AIDS, this is to ensure proper and efficient use of the international funding pocket.
“We are to put government on the spot to ensure they make good political commitment to prudent management of the resources.
“Making sure that the public health is deemed the highest priority in appropriation and spending as well as ensuring that infrastructure are built and funds focused to the neediest areas,’’ he said.
Olorunyomi further implored journalists to design a national healthcare reporting objective in order to create awareness on the need to increase public sector funding for HIV services in the country.
