The Chief Medical Director, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTHC), Dr. Oluwole Ige says the World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for public and private partners to spread the awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care around our community and the world .
He said according to United Nations facts and figure that 38 million people globally were living with HIV, 25.4 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy. Also, 1.7 million people became newly infected with HIV, and 690,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in the past year.
Dr. Ige said emphatically that it has become one of the most widely recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awarenes, commitment, and commemorate those who have died and to celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
The CMD gave an insight into this year theme saying ” Global Solidarity Shared Responsibility”. He said it requires us to view Nigeria health respons, including the HIV/AIDS response in a new way.
He said further that, it is a moment for bold leadership for equal societies, the right to health for all and a roboust and equitable global recovery. Ige rolled out what the UNIMEDTH is doing in the area of advocacy, public enlightenment and prevention.
Earlier speaking, Dr. Francis Akinkunmi Project coordinator of HIV programme UNIMED Teaching Hospital( Medical village) said increasing testing would helped to detect new cases and be placed on effective treatment of the HIV virus. This would lead to a reduction in numbers of the infected people and eradication of the pandemic.
The CMD advised all the relevant stakeholders and government agencies to step up thier efforts to achieving healthier societies.
Akinjide Oluwatope
Head, Media and Publicity
UNIMED Teaching Hospital
1st December, 2020.
Study @ Achievers University
