South Sudan launches HIV/AIDS awareness campaign
By Julius N. Uma
October 8, 2010 (JUBA) The Southern Sudan Aids Commission (SSAC) has officially launched the 2010 World Aids Day HIV/AIDS campaign, as part of the global initiative to create awareness on the dangers of the disease that claims millions lives globally.
An estimated 4.7 million people in Southern Sudan, according to recent SSAC statistics, are said to be at risk of acquiring HIV, yet only 60,000 of them have so far benefitted voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services.
To-date, prevalence rates are said to be very high in the post-conflict region, with Western Equatoria recording the highest rate of 7.1%, Central Equatoria 3.9%, Eastern Equatoria at 3.2% and Jonglei State at 2.9%.
While speaking at the campaign launch yesterday, Dr. Esterina Nyilok, the SSAC Chairperson said the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, which will climax with the December 1 World Aids day event, aims at not only remembering those living with the disease, but also those who have dedicated their efforts towards fighting it in the region.
Dr. Nyilok emphasized the importance of VCT and urged the population to fully utilize the existing facilities put in place by government with support from development partners and donors.
Currently, she added, Southern Sudan has about 91 VCT facilities and 14 treatment centers. Several cross-border facilities have also been established, courtesy of projects initiated by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) that create awareness, conduct VCT services and supply necessary drugs.
“We need to encourage our people to go for voluntary testing and counseling. Knowing your HIV status is the first stage in deciding to adopt positive behavior change actions and or adopt to live positively with HIV”, the SSAC chairperson remarked.
She decried the south’s rampant levels of human rights violations, saying such practices fuel the spread of HIV especially among marginalized groups. She appealed to the public and private partners to joins hands in efforts to make the campaign a success.
In a related development, Dr. Lul Riek, Director General for HIV/AIDS in the Health Ministry said the southern government remains committed to the fight against the disease, which 33 million people currently live with worldwide according to World Health Organization (WHO).
This year’s World Aids Day celebration will take place in Bor, the provincial capital of Jonglei state, as South Sudan joins the rest of the world to commemorate the global event.
(ST)