Follow Us on Google
From Obinna Odogwu, Akwa
A lab scientist with Glanson Medical Laboratories, Mr. Arizechukwu Nwobu, has advised religious organisations to demand for evidence of good health, particularly HIV/AIDS test results, of intending couples before approving and conducting weddings in their facilities.
He said such move would help to prevent the spread of the virus and other deadly diseases in the country: “Churches should demand for the HIV status of intending couples before approving their weddings. This is very, very important.”
He also made a case for the promotion of sex education and other health campaigns in schools, arguing that young people need to be educated on health issues always for their own good.
“There is a need for us to go back to sex education because that is where it should start from. Students should be educated on the subject matter to enable them to protect themselves.
“I know that there used to be HIV/AIDS clubs in secondary schools and tertiary institutions. I don’t know about today. But there’s a need to bring them back if they’re no longer there. It’s important.
As it affects Anambra State, the lab scientist advised the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) to take HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns to markets, schools, religious institutions and others to enable it to realise its objectives.
“They should always train and re-train their staff members. All the medical personnel in that agency should be re-trained on the management of HIV and its related issues.
“The agency should be open. When there is no openness, it becomes pretty difficult to manage issues. Again, there is a need for proper information management. Those who have HIV/AIDS should have their privacy protected. That would help to build trust.
Nwobu harped on the need for the agency to encourage private sector participation in what it is doing, arguing that the efforts to stop the spread of the virus required everybody’s useful contributions.
“They need to include private hospitals, labs, maternity homes, and even the patent medicine dealers. They should be trained on how to handle HIV/AIDS issues and how to counsel patients, especially the carriers of HIV”, he advised.
Nwobu further advised the government at all levels to adequately fund its agencies responsible for combating the spread of the deadly virus in the country.
“Generally, there is nothing you can do without funding. Without adequate funding, that agency may not be able to achieve its target. The government should be holistic about funding.
“They should also be able to monitor the funds set aside for their projects because I have seen a system whereby the government will have a very good intention, and then the managers will have their own intention.
“So the government should be able to give them adequate funding which will cover logistics, training, and necessary materials involved,” he advised.
