Dual Communication Initiative Support HIV Victims in Kogi

Dual Communication Innitiative (DCI), Lokoja has distributed nutritional support and empowered ten Local Government Areas (LGA) in Kogi state.

The move was part of its efforts to provide care and support for People Living Positive with HIV/AIDs (PLPWHIV) and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Kogi State.

The gesture which is part of its monthly nutritional support and economic empowerment programme, also distributed beverages, food item, fruits, food supplement, paid house rent for some women and empower them financially.

Speaking to local media, the Director of DCI, Mrs Rose Alabi, said the gesture was part of her organization’s contribution to strengthen and encourage PLPWHIV and OVCs, especially children orphaned by Aids in the state.

“Our decision to carry out this programme is a sign that we don’t discriminate or stigmatize. We are telling them that HIV/AIDs is like any other sickness or disease, if properly taken care of, can be managed, contrary to what people believe.”

Commending the state government, Kogi state Agency for the Control of Aids (KOSACA), Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Society for Family Health and Management Sciences for Health for their support, she called on the public to avoid discriminating or stigmatizing those living positive with the virus.

“If you are not infected, your are affected”, she added.

In his address, the chairman of the occasion, Dr Gabriel Musa, educated the beneficiaries on the four weeks preventive methods of the virus.

Dr Musa, who is the project manager of KOSACA, called on women to attend ante natal to know their status and prevent Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT).

While promising its continued support, he commended the NGO for its care and support to PLPWHIV and OVCs.

“This programme is evidence based. Some organization’s collect funds and run away with it. KOSACA will assist your organization as soon as funds are available.

In his goodwill message, the chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) of DCI, Dr Keddy Balogun, said the gesture was fulfillment of the scriptures.

He encouraged the beneficiaries not to see their status as a setback but a stepping stone. Council areas that benefitted are; Ankpa, Idah, Dekina, Olamaboro and Okene.

Others are, Ijumu, Lokoja, Bassa, Mopa-Muro and Ajaokuta.