Juba urges to prioritize anti-HIV/Aids campaign: VP Machar
October 1, 2011 (JUBA) — The campaign against the deadly HIV-Aids epidemic should be taken as priority among all stakeholders, including government, religious leaders and the civil society, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, South Sudan’s vice-president has urged.
The vice-president made these appealing remarks while officially opening last week’s South Sudan HIV/Aids annual stakeholder’s forum, held in Juba, the South Sudan capital under the theme, “Forging strategic partnerships in the HIV response in South Sudan”.
“The Republic of South Sudan as a new country should put joint efforts and devise strategies towards fighting the diseases and preventing it from spreading all over communities,” Dr. Machar said.
According the South Sudan vice-president, the fight against HIV/Aids should be the responsibility of all the population in South Sudan, whom he advised to view the disease as an epidemic that kills millions annually.
The southern government, he revealed, has donated SSP 35 million, all aimed at supporting all efforts to fight the deadly-viral disease. Dr. Machar further reiterated government’s commitment in the HIV/Aids campaign and advocated for the need to promote and strengthen public and private partnerships to boost awareness.
He further appealed to development partners to provide support that enhances behavioral change among the masses as well encourage a multi-sectoral approach to enable people respond to the disease in Africa’s newest nation.
Recent studies, according to Dr. Esterina Novella, the chairperson of South Sudan Aids Commission (SSAC) estimate that 3.8 million people in South Sudan are still at risk of acquiring HIV, yet only about 111,000 have reportedly undergone voluntary testing and counseling.
“Knowing your HIV status is the first stage in deciding to adopt a positive behavior change action to living positively,” she said.
Dr. Novella said the commission will embark in a robust media campaign, talk shows, debates and advocacy workshop at all state levels to create awareness on the importance of fighting HIV/Aids.
As estimated nearly 39 million people, according to World Health Organization (WHO), are said to be living with the disease worldwide, majority of who reportedly live in sub-Saharan Africa.
(ST)