From IKECHUKWU NNADI, Nsukka
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Touched by the increasing cases of HIV/AIDS across the country, Widows Lifeline Nigeria (W-Lifeline), an NGO has carried out a programme of public sensitisation on the continuing devastation of HIV/AIDS, for which the world is yet to find a cure, and the imperative of prevention and management of the disease.
W-Lifeline was founded in 2002 by Professor Emeritus Uche Azikiwe, wife of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, as a non-profit making organisation, dedicated to empowering widows and vulnerable youths in the country.
Speaking recently in Nsukka during the sensitisation programme that took place simultaneously at the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Prison’s Field, No 2, Ukpa Afikpo, Ebonyi State, the National Director of W-Lifeline, Prof. Christian Ezeibe said the objective of the sensitisation was to increase awareness of AIDS/HIV.
According to him, the event featured a road show, free AIDS/HIV testing, counseling, contraceptives, and entertainment.
He urged the public to abstain from sex, and remain faithful to one partner or use condoms if they cannot resist sexual desire, adding that all these would help to prevent the spread of HIV.
“Please obey the golden rule to prevent the spread of HIV, complete abstinence, faithfulness to one sex partner or use condoms while having sex.
“About 39.9 million people are living with HIV globally according to World Health Organization
“Out of the 5.1 million people living with HIV in West and Central Africa, 1.9 million people are Nigerians,” he said.
Thousands of volunteers comprising civil servants, students, widows, market women, farmers, retirees, and operators of the informal economy (commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators) participated in the event, Daily Query reports.
“We know that World AIDS Day is on every December 1, but we are using this event to join in the commemoration as well as create more awareness to the public about AIDS/HIV.
“The motivation for establishing Widow Lifeline Nigeria is to promote the welfare and well-being of vulnerable groups in Nigeria especially widows and youths, who often face discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion.
“W-Lifeline provides a range of services, including Economic empowerment through skills training and Microfinancing Education and health support for indigent students.
“Advocacy and legal support to protect widows’ rights, give psychosocial support and counseling for the vulnerable groups like widows and youths,” he said.
The national director who is a lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies (UNN), explained that the group had earlier staged a roadshow to create public awareness of AIDS/HIV and its co-occurring conditions, such as syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.
“We appreciate the Founder of W-Lifeline Professor Emeritus Uche Azikiwe and the National Secretary of W-Lifeline, Professor Perpetua Lum Tanyi.
“We also appreciate Professor Emeritus El Anatsui, the renowned Sculptor and the State Lead of Caritas Nigeria in Enugu and Ebonyi States for their various support.
“We acknowledge the staff and student volunteers in UNN as well as all the participants in Afikpo,” he said.
In an interview with our correspondent, some of the participants commended W-Lifeline for the awareness and sensitisation programme, which they said would go a long way in preventing the spread of HIV in society.
