NAS Holds Sensitization with MP on Condon and HIV Prevention
The National Aids Secretariat in collaboration with UNFPA and parliamentary committee on HIV /AIDS yesterday held one day sensitization on comprehensive condom programming and HIV prevention.
At the conference room of the House of Parliament, Parliamentarians were given the opportunity to digest the message of HIV/AIDS prevention.
In a statement the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Sofian Kargbo, who was chairman for the programme noted that the epidemic HIV/AIDS is real and prevalent in Sierra Leone.
“Professionals have confirmed the existence of HIV/AIDS in our society and have authoritatively acknowledged its reality,” Hon. Sofian said.
“My concerns are specifically on the use of condoms. We must be careful in the way we conduct ourselves and should always try to use condoms wisely.”
He also went on to say that he will give his continued support to the National Aids Secretariat torwards the fight against HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone.
He however added: “HIV/Aids in Sierra Leone is below 2%. All should help in the fight against HIV/Aids so that Sierra Leone would be rated ‘zero percent.”
Giving an overview of consultations made, Mr. Abubakarr Bockarie Koroma, IEC/BCC Coordinator NAS, illustrates the purpose of the meeting and said it is to discuss about condom programming and HIV prevention.
According to him, the use of condom in the prevention of sexual transmitted deceases is rated at 99%.
“We are here to also give update to members of Parliament about the new strategic plan. We want members of Parliament to act as Ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS in society,” Bockarie Koroma said.
Hon. Marie Jalloh, chairperson HIV/ AIDS committee in parliament adds that the response to HIV/AIDS is collaborative efforts of all it partners.
“Condom promotion” she noted “is key to the issue of HIV/AIDS prevention and other sexually infected deceases in Sierra Leone.”
She called on all to look at HIV/AIDS as not only a health issue but of national a concern.
She encouraged all Parliamentarians to come onboard in the fight against the epidemic HIV/Aids.
She also encouraged officials of NAS to set up an action plan that will enable Parliamentarians to play key roles in sensitizing people about HIV/Aids in at their respective communities.
The Minority Whip in Parliament, Hon. Eric Kondeyoma, said in the past, the collaboration with Parliament and NAS has fell, but a big thanks to the chairperson of HIV/Aids Committee, who wittingly has brought it back.
He noted that HIV/AIDS is real and it is in Sierra Leone. He however advised that Sierra Leone should join their hands in the fight against HIV/Aids.
“We must inculcate the habits of using condom if we are to prolong our lives. We should be actively involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS and the use of condoms,” Hon. Eric reiterated
The PMDC Leader of Parliament, Hon Thomas Mansaray, revealed how HIV/AIDS had been a critical issue in Sierra Leone. He urges all the MPs to embark on issues bordering on the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Hon. Bintu Myers, chairperson Parliamentary Committee on Health, says HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic and needs special attention especially in the area of mother to child.
Abu bakarr Kargbo of NAS later did a presentation on situational analysis of HIV/Aids in Sierra Leone and the New National Strategic plan 2011 to 2015.
A representative from care international did a display of condoms and how they are used by respective sexes.
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