Press Releases

Mrs Fashola Takes Campaign Against HIV/AIDS To Lagos EXCO Meeting

Feb 9, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Monday called for the decentralization of the provision of Anti Retroviral Drugs (ARTs) saying its issuance should not be treated like the issuance of drivers licence.

Governor Fashola who spoke after a presentation made to the State Executive Council by the members of the State Coalition Against Aids (NAWOCA) led by the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Abimbola Fashola at State House, Alausa, added that the current system of issuing the drugs from only one source is counterproductive.

The Governor added that the treatment and counseling of persons living with HIV Aids must be treated and modeled like a revolving door policy which people can access at all times.

The Governor added that it is very important that concerted efforts is made to ensure that everyone works in arresting the incidence of a clearly avoidable circumstance which science would hopefully find a solution to.

He thanked members of the committee for the wonderful job they are doing to address the health challenge of the present generation.

In his words: “We will work this noble and humanitarian journey with you to ensure that the battle is won”.

Governor Fashola added that the State has a brand that is working, which if lent the adequate support needed would ensure an impact that is immeasurable.

Also speaking with newsmen after the presentation to the State Executive Council, First Lady, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola said the group intends to strengthen the HIV and AIDS campaign especially at the local government levels through advocacy programmes, sensitization and creation of awareness.

She added that since the programme was launched at the Federal level by Mrs Turai Yar’Adua as well as in the South West, there is a need to still have state chapters because of the differences in terms of needs and expectations.

She said the working team was at the Executive Council session to bring the members into the picture of what the committee intends to do as well as seek support of the both the Legislature and the Executive in its programme.

Mrs. Fashola also said the group intends to preach abstinence always as that represents the only way that people can avoid the deadly disease and be kept alive

Speaking during the presentation, the Chief Executive of the State Aids Control Agency, Dr Tokunboh Dabiri said one of the challenges which the agency has had to contend with is in respect to the availability of ART which is being hampered with the award of sole bid to supply Anti Retroviral Drug to the National Action Committee Against Aids which makes its supply very epileptic.

She said the disparity recorded between the exact figures of those tested and those who come forward for treatment is strictly because some get counseled, but don’t immediately come forward for treatment.

While contributing at the Exco Session, the Head of Service, Alhaji Yakub Balogun promised to ensure the cooperation of all public servants and ensure that all public servants go forward for voluntary testing.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Powers, Mr. AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem called for the inclusion of clergymen in the working committee of NAWOCA in order to preach moral values to the people.