KW-SAPZ Project: Govt. Engages Communities on Measures to Mitigate HIV, Others

... distributes prevention materials

The Kwara State Government has again commenced the engagement of communities within the state, on measures to mitigate the potential rise in HIV/AIDS transmission, malaria outbreaks and incidence of sexual abuse.

The sensitisation campaign titled "HIV/AIDS & Malaria: Mitigation Measures," was organised by Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ ) Project, and took place in Gidan Magajiya, Kinninkinni, Olodan, Asa and Malete communities, respectively in Baruteen, Kaiama, Ifelodun, Asa and Moro Local Government Areas of State.

Speaking during the awareness programme, the Coordinator, Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ ) Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, attributed the state government's effort at stepping up awareness about the existence of HIV/AIDS, outbreak of Malaria and sexual abuse to combating the social risks the diseases pose.

Represented by the Gender and Social Safeguard Officer, KW-SAPZ, Mrs. Kuburat Shola Agunbiade, the Coordinator cautioned residents of the community againt risky and careless actions that could lead to contraction of HIV, spread of malaria and incidence of sexual abuses, noting that, if necessary, strategies are deployed, the rise in all these threats will be reduced in our society.

Busari, who reminded the gatherings in the various communities visited that Kwara SAPZ Project is at the instance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration's commitments to develop rural areas through agro-industrialisation, affirmed that the government will priorities the health of the beneficiaries in the process of development.

He then enjoined participants to adopt the culture of prevention, for good health to go hand-in-hand with the oncoming progress, about to to be facilitated by the KW-SAPZ Project.

The HIV/AIDS facilitators in the five Local Government Areas disclosed that it is pertinent to create awareness about HIV/AIDS across rural communities from time to time, so that the people concerned will adhere to the practice that will reduce the chances of contracting the virus, thereafter recommending safe sex practice, regular tests, avoidance of sharing sharp objects and so on, to prevent the dreaded HIV/AIDS.

In the same vein, the Roll Back Malaria Officer s in all the five Local Government Areas, urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity, which, they said, will keep the participants away from malaria, harping on a number of prevention tips, which include; use of indoor insecticide spraying, sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) among other measures.

Some of the participants who asked questions for clarifications, expressed appreciation for the awareness campaign, pledging their support for the state the present administration at all times.

High point of the occasion at every community was distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), condoms and other preventive materials to participants.

Sangodare Ayinla (PhD ),

KMCO

KW-SAPZ

07033530735