The President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN)Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha, said fight against HIV/AIDS stigmatization in Nigeria requires active involvement from the federal government and community leaders.
Dr. Onuoha, represented by Most Rev. Peter Ogunmuyiwa, stated this at the HIV intervention close-out ceremony i in Abuja, yesterday .
He said :”We need more collaboration and sensitization from the government so that the numbers can be reduced.”
Dr. Onuoha acknowledged the government’s efforts but stressed the need for greater support.
According to him,”The rate at which these numbers are going shows that government needs to do more to support religious organizations in combating the HIV virus.
“Like faith-based organizations campaign for reduction and elimination of HIV, our prayer is that we need more collaboration from the government.”
Dr. Onuoha praised international agencies for their support but underscored the need for more action, particularly for adolescents.
“We have international agencies that have been supporting and reducing the number of people living with HIV/AIDS, especially adolescents.”
Quoting scripture, he reminded attendees of Jesus’ love for children and the vulnerable, saying that , “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'”
The government’s proactive role is vital, according to Dr. Onuoha. “Where the government is very proactive, it will bring down the figure.”
“Now, about 160,000 Nigerians are living with the HIV virus, and only 45,000 are under treatment. We need medical facilities to address these issues, and faith-based organizations cannot do it alone. The government must urgently fund these efforts,” he added.
Speaking to the press, CCN Executive Secretary Very Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara expressed concern about pregnant women living with HIV.
He said “The condition of pregnant women living with HIV is a source of worry to the Council.
“The Council is concerned about those who are not under treatment and those pregnant mothers who are not attending antenatal clinic checks,” Dr. Onyemara noted.
The CCN has established a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to address health and well-being issues among young people.
“We assure the YAB and the public that the Christian Council of Nigeria will do everything in its power to enable those living with HIV to live their lives to the fullest,” Dr. Onyemara stated.
While encouraging those living with HIV, he said, “As a person living with HIV, you need to be strong, resilient, and show that you have the capacity to face your life. HIV is not a death sentence.”
He highlighted cases where individuals have lived with HIV for 25-30 years, showing that a positive diagnosis does not preclude a full life.
“We have very clear cases and testimonies of people who live positively with HIV/AIDS and are still alive,” he said .
