INGRA Partners NYSC to kick out TB, HIV/ Aids Stigma in Kogi.
* Bemoans HIV/ Aids surges.
* Conducts voluntary HIV/ Aids , TB test on Corpers.
The Initiative for Grassroot Advancement INGRA has begun partnership with members of the National Youths Service Corps targeted at eradicating the escalation of Tuberculosis cases in kogi state.
This is just as the corpers were charged to unite with the body to end stigmatisation of those living with HIV/ Aids and others in the country.
The Executive Director of INGRA, Hamza Aliyu made the disclosure in a sensitisation and awareness dialogue in conjunction with National Tuberculosis Unified campaign and members of Medical and Health Community Development support of National Youths Service Corps held on Friday in Kogi .
The Executive Director, who was represented by his programme officer, Abdulfatai Ayuba said , Ingra has commenced the implementation of the project of find people of abuse in Communities and link to caregivers to reduce stigma on HIV/ Aids survivors.
He noted that the effective means to reduce impact of stigma on those living with HIV/Aids is to educate and create awareness of the disease.
He said lack of awareness and appropriate knowledge of the disease will increase the elements that triggers stigmatisation of the survivors.
He noted that in its commitment to give a voice against stigma, he sponsored a bill for a law to provide for the prevention of HIV/ Aids Based Discrimination and protection of the Rights and Dignity of people Living with and affected by Hiv/ Aids and for other matter thereof , 2024 which has been passed by state House of Assembly and before the Governor for accent.
INGRA advised the people to consider the disease like any other ailments as it is not a death sentence nor a punishment for sexual promiscuity.
He said that , when the law becomes operational, it would be actionable perse against persons making discriminatory imputations against survivors.
He added that the law would empowers survivors to seek redress against defamatory statements, and urged the Government for quick accent to the bill.
While moderating the dialogue, the presenter of “Mama pikin” program on Grace Fm Radio , Katherine Odok urged Corps members to be agent of change by educating and creating awareness about the disease and the negative impact of stigma on the survivors.
She advised survivors to develop positive impact on their consciousness to be able to withstand stigma and to report to relevant agencies any infraction against them.
She added that by having self confidence, no one would be able to steal their joy through negative comments , and should stand firm to defend their rights to dignity of lives.
The radio personality urged the people to be circumspect of their actions as it is capable of sending some to their early grave and warned them not to be a murderer by exhibition empathy with fellow humans irrespective of their health status
She disclosed that the figure of 50,000 of people living with HIV Aids by Kosaca late last year was too scary and called for concerted efforts to stamp out the pandemic.
Speaking on the effect of Tuberculosis, Dr. Okoh, said , Tuberculosis could be an underlying cause of HIV Aids and challenged those with intermittent cough, Night sweat , chronic fever and unexplained weight loss to go for test as early detection is the surest way to prevent Tuberculosis.
He allays fear that tubercu
losis could directly affect reproduction health of the survivors, but , admitted that , it could affect the functionality of some organs of the body.
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He added that TB is no longer a killer disease , if it diagnose early and relevant treatment is given, advising people not to shy with their Health.
Dr. Okoh is the President of Medical and Health CDS , warned individuals and organisations against subjecting survivors to disclose their status without their full consent as they may run foul of the law.
Highlights of the event was the administering of HIV/ aids,and Tb tests on willing corps members.
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