Chioma Obinna
2 December 2008
AS the 2008 World AIDS Day held, President, Youth Development & Empowerment Foundation (YODEF), Mr. Uche Udungwor, spoke to Chioma Obinna on the impact of HIV and AIDS on Nigerian youths.Excerpts.
"The spread of HIV and AIDS in Nigeria is still at a very high and alarming. This, to a large extent could be attributed to the population of the country.
I wouldn't say the country is not trying in the area of curbing the spread of the epidemic, rather, it should intensify efforts especially in the area of information dissemination, public enlightenment and also in the provision of treatment for those already living with the virus.
The increasing number of children orphaned by AIDS has remained a strong issue of concern amongst the NGOs working on the HIV and AIDS projects. You see, due to ignorance and late detection of the virus on the part of parents has led to many children turning orphan over night. Also, population explosion in Nigeria has not helped matters too. Therefore, it is not an African story per se; it is a reality.
Generally speaking, since there is great poverty in the land, obviously, these children orphaned by AIDS will surely suffer hunger and poverty. Therefore, I wouldn't say government is doing so well in rescuing these children from the clutches of hunger and poverty.
As of today, majority of Nigerian citizens are living far below the UN prescribed poverty level which shouldn't be, given to the enormous human, material and natural resouces endowed on this country. This situation continues to raise some fundamental question regarding the constitutional obligation of government to its citizens.
The provision of N70 million by the office of the special assistant to the President on the MDGs to about 25 NGOs working on HIV and AIDS is not a big deal at this stage. What is N70 million and 25 NGOs compared to the youth population of this country? Look, government should provide more funds and a more wholistic method of fighting the epidemic.
Our organisation, Youth Development & Empowerment Foundation (YODEF)is more into Advocacy. Our approach is preventive, hence we are mostly invoved in enlightenment and education projects via seminars, workshops, conferences which centres on the dangers,effects and implication of contracting HIV and AIDS.
We also provide daily counseling for those already living with HIV and AIDS and do assist them in getting treatment at the various centers in Nigeria.
It is not just in Nigeria that youths are the major tool in the spread of HIV and AIDS but worldwide.
My message on WAD 2008 is that every Nigerian especially the youths should consider themselves a stakeholder in the fight against HIV and AIDS because they are the most vulnerable.
Considering the theme: "Lead, Empower, Deliver" and promoted with the campaign slogan "Stop AIDS-Keep the Promise"; in humble opinion, I wouldn't say government, individuals and corporate bodies are doing very well. Essentially, the fight is just beginning.
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