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As the world commemorates World HIV/AIDS Day, US based Nigerian artiste Kenneth Ofigho, aka ‘Big Klef’, has called on the government to increase sensitization and awareness campaigns so people can get tested and know their HIV status. ”Despite free access to effective treatment, studies show that Africa has recorded 460,000 deaths from AIDS with 1,300 lives lost everyday”, Klef added.
According to W.H.O, “the African continent is unlikely to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. However, even with the inherent challenges notwithstanding, Africa has made significant progress against HIV in the past decade, reducing new infections by 43% and nearly halving AIDS-related deaths”.
In a message to mark the 2021 World AIDS Day, Big Klef said the world cannot afford to lose focus on the urgent need to end the inequities that drive AIDS, Covid 19 and other epidemics. He expressed regret that 40 years after the first HIV cases were reported in Africa and globally, AIDS still remained a major public health concern.
“Last year, two out of every three new HIV infections occurred in the African region, corresponding to almost 2,500 new HIV infections every day”.
Kenneth said that it is sad that AIDS claimed the lives of 460,000 people, or a shocking 1,300 every day, in spite of free access to effective treatment.
“Studies have shown that nearly 70% live in the WHO African region, where only 4.5% of people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” Kenneth said.
Ofigho pleaded with governments to prioritize investment in health funding for community-led, human rights-based and gender transformative responses.
Big Klef also said that global solidarity and shared responsibility are critical components of the kind of approach needed if the word is to end the scourge of HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.
Klef praised the efforts of the South African scientists who discovered the Covid 19 Omicron variant, saying that “travel bans and rash restrictions is not the solution to containing and preventing further spread”.
“The world must boost our essential health workforce and secure equitable access to vaccines and treatments for all countries, especially the poorer ones”.
“We must ensure that everyone, everywhere has equal access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care, including COVID-19 vaccinations and services,” he further reiterated.
