Nigerian government and corporate bodies are not supporting youth leadership in HIV/AIDS initiatives enough

Few weeks ago, the Kick Out HIV/AIDS Jamboree was held at the City Centre “Ibom Plaza” Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria with the goal of offering youths and teenagers unrestricted access to the recreation facility; they also got information and resources on the subject of HIV/AIDS prevention and related health issues.

The event was organized by members of Global youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA), Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria with support from other partner organizations. HealthNewsNG.com spoke to the state coordinator of the initiative, Unyime Abasi-Ben.

What was the program about?

The World AIDS Day Jamboree, commemorating  2013 World AIDS Day, was a platform to raise awareness to young people about the continued insurgence of HIV infection, mainly targeting preventive measures as to avoiding new infections, new HIV-related deaths.

Motivation for embarking on the project

What drives me to engaging in the action is the passion to save our generation. I want to, and so much believe a HIV-free generation is possible when the needed action is timely taken. To some extent, one of the team members ask whether I am HIV-positive

Was GYCA, Uyo chapter the sole sponsor and organizer?

We were able to raise meager financial assistance from individuals. However, the largest part of funding (about 95%) was borne by us, the organizers.

Any assistance from Government or Corporate firms?

We are and would always be grateful to the Ministry of Environment, Akwa Ibom State, for providing us with space to host the event. Akwa Ibom State Agency on the Control of AIDS assisted us with some information and educational (IEC )materials.

How was the initiative received by the people?

It was such a welcoming initiative. Understanding the myth accompanying HIV, we used entertainment to attract the audience attention while breaking-in with key HIV/AIDS prevention messages.

What was the turn out like?

Since it was a city centre, we had an appreciable turnout.

Any plans for more programs?

We are planning to screen the HIV/AIDS videos at city squares during this yuletide as there is expected to be influx of people visiting home.

What message did participants go home with after the jamboree?

A renewed hope that HIV-free generation is achievable and that with Youth-friendly Centres, people (youth) with HIV can have proper counselling and assistance without their privacy being compromised.

How can the government and other corporate bodies assist to achieve zero HIV?

It is obvious that there is little or no support for HIV-related programmes from government or corporate organizations. As urgent as ever, individuals, corporate organizations and government at all tiers (local, state and national), have to garner support to HIV/AIDS and other education/life-saving programmes initiated and carried out locally.

Getting to zero requires continuous and unrelenting awareness on prevention education. This is because every day, young men and women become sexually active, and exposed to sexually-related scenarios at school and home. This is also driven through the different media and social platforms