AHF marks women’s day with HIV prevention, control ccampaign in Kogi

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

In its determination to impact in the lives of women in the country, a non governmental organization, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) took its International Women’s Day Campign (IWD) campaign to Kogi state.

The aim of the campaign which took place on Tuesday, to commemorate the day was to train mentor mothers on bridging the gaps in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS.

This year’s International Women’s Day is themed; ”Break The Bias”.

Mrs Christie Awunor, the AHF State Nursing Coordinator for Abuja, Kogi and Nasarrawa, harped on the importance of the training.

She said the training was organised by AHF to mark the (IWD).

Awunor averred that the training was to educate mentor mothers on PMTCT in order to support the AHF program on HIV/AIDS prevention and advocacy in the state.

The coordinator described mentor mothers as HIV-positive women who serve as counselors for PMTCT clients, provide guidance and support in keeping appointments and promoting antiretroviral adherence and retention-in-care.

She stressed that the program would enable the mentor mothers to work in collaboration with health workers and other peer educators to encourage, educate and empower HIV-positive pregnant women and new mothers in the communities.

She encouraged the women to be brave and break harmful biases in their lives, and bringing about positive change in their communities and in the lives of their friends and families.

Also speaking, the Kogi State Coordinator of AHF, Dr. Onyeyili Ikemefuna, said AHF being gender sensitive was using the IWD to reflect on the sacrifice, celebrating and highlighting the achievements of strong and successful women globally.

He said AHF had been standing strong with women living with HIV, reduced the scourge, and had effectively prevented mother-to-child transmission in Kogi State.

”Together, we can all help ‘Break the Bias’ and build a more equitable, inclusive future for women everywhere particularly in Kogi State”, he said.

Speaking, one of the participants, Remilekun Michael, applauded AHF for the gesture, saying that they would transfer the knowledge to their communities.