HIV/AIDS: Church of Nigeria parleys with NACA
CONN/280405
Abuja, April 28, 2005- Following the implementation of her strategic policy document on HIV/AIDS, representatives of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the National Action Committee of AIDS (NACA) are to collaborate to crash the pandemic.
A decision to this effect was made following a meeting which took place in Abuja between the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Ven. Oluranti Odubogun and Chairman of NACA Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin.
Ven. Odubogun gave an upbeat assessment on the Church’s response, outlining detailed activities carried out towards reduction of AIDS in the country.
So far, seminars and enlightenment campaigns were organized for over 60 Anglican Bishops and in October 2004, 63 Diocesan HIV/AIDS coordinator were trained on HIV/AIDS programming.
He said an integrated Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre (VCT) had been established in Abuja, adding that a prevention and care programme was commissioned under the Social Welfare Committee of the Church.
Partner Organisations including Action Aid International, Policy Project Nigeria and Christian Aid UK had at various degrees provided support for the Anglican Church activities on HIV/AIDS.
Responding, Prof. Osotimehin said Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) had an important role to play in the fight against the epidemic particularly in the areas of prevention and education.
According to him collaboration and encouragement in the face of so many obstacles should serve as a driving force to all major contributors to the National response on HIV/AIDS.
He commended the Anglican Church for evolving a workable strategic policy document on HIV/AIDS.
The Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church are the two FBOs that have evolved policies toward combating the scourge.
It would be recalled that NACA recently called for proposal from organizations working on combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
NACA plans to provide funding for successful bids ranging from N13 million to N39 million. Furthermore a national roundtable to access the impact of faith based groups on HIV/AIDS will be held in June this year.
Other members of the Church of Nigeria team present at the parley were National HIV/AIDS coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Olatunji, Rev. Sam Akale and Dr. Anthony Momoh.
