s part of the Lagos State government’s measures to cushion the economic effect of the current COVID-19 lockdown on vulnerable residents, the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), in partnership with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA), has provided relief package for people living with HIV/AIDS in the State.
Speaking during the flag-off of the initiative in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, LSACA, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, described the exercise as part of efforts of the State government to bring succour to vulnerable residents of the State, particularly in the face of the stay-at-home directive.
Dr. Adeleke further disclosed that LSACA has ensured that people living with HIV/AIDS have unhindered access to Antiretroviral (ARVs) and other necessary drugs immediately the index case of the Coronavirus disease was reported in the State.
She said “We are working hard to protect the interest of HIV/AIDS clients. In a bid to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on them, the State had developed an HIV-COVID-19 contingency plan in collaboration with the State HIV Consortium. This was intended to mitigate the negative impact of Coronavirus pandemic and ensure the continuity of HIV services”.
The LSACA boss disclosed that the Agency has ensured 78,052 HIV clients currently on treatment Statewide are provided with two to six months drugs through the concerted efforts of the HIV Consortium, Directorate of Pharmaceutical Service under the Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH) and other partners.
According to her, this has enhanced capacity of 185 Community Pharmacies stocked with ARVs for pickup by HIV positive clients in neighbourhoods across the State while the identification of more indigent HIV-positive clients is ongoing.
On behalf of the State government and beneficiaries, Adeleke appreciated the support of the Organised Private Sector through the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA), noting that the gesture will ensure that HIV/AIDS clients take their drugs with good food during the lockdown.
The Executive Secretary, NIBUCAA, Mr. Gbenga Alabi and Lagos State UNAIDS Adviser, Dr. Modupe Oduwole, both acknowledged the importance of the collaborative efforts and partnership, ascribing the achievements recorded in mitigating the challenges of access to drugs and other consumables by people living with HIV/AIDS to the execution and implementation of programmes by the State Government.
Each beneficiary is expected to have in his/her package, 10kg Rice, 8kg Beans, One Carton of Indomie Noodles, 15 Tomato Paste Sachets, One Toothpaste, One Sunlight Detergent, 450m Dano Milk, 450mg Milo Tin, Six Toilet Rolls, Six Bar Soaps and 25kg of Cassava Flour (Garri).
AA/TMS/OS
