CHEERS which is a sub recipient in the global fund for HIV
and a part of principal recipient of FHI 360, is an NGO which major goal is to
be a succour to persons living with HIV and AIDS as they will provide
intervention drugs and other commodities that will help stabilize and sustain
the life of persons living with the Virus.
Addressing the members of the press in his Jerome Udorji
Secretariat Office, Awka on the 24th of May 2017, the Hon. Commissioner for
Health Dr. Joe Akabuike stated that by signing the MOU with the CHEERS the
State Government under the leadership of his able governor Chief Willie Obiano
has once again reaffirmed its willingness and readiness to partner with any
good organisation that will be of beneficially to the people of the state.
Dr. Akabuike also said that MOU signed is meant to maintain
the global funding in the state. Stating that there are about 75 Primary Health
Care Centres and 7 sites where global fund is supporting HIV projects in the
State. ‘’Since HIV and Aids does not have a cure, its prevalence is on the increase
thus, increase in the persons living with the Virus. Therefore there is need to
sustain the form in making sure that the Viral role of HIV in human being is
been limited through the intervention drugs and other commodities to allow the
carriers to live their normal life’’ he said.
Also speaking at the press brief the country Rep. and the Executive
director CHEERS, Mrs Hajia Ogugua applauded the State Government for having the
affairs of the people at heart by allowing them reach an understanding to implement
the project. Assuring them that they will gear their support to make sure that
the project makes a great impact in the life of the people of the State.
Mrs Ogugua also said that the NGO will move to all the
health facilities in the state and do all the needful. Advising the people to
get tested for free and know their status. If positive CHEERS will counsel and
give the person treatment and with constant taking of their drugs the person
will live his/her normal, without any fear.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the State
Ministry of Health, Dr. Okwuchukwu Chukwuka thanked the NGO for deeming it
necessary to partner with the state. Assuring them of the full support of the
state in making the project a great success.
BY NWOKEDI NWANNEKA A.C. (MINS OF HEALTH)
