Health
How HIV/AIDS can be eradicated— Access Bank GMD
The Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, says it is possible to end HIV transmission through collective responsibilities.
Wigwe had this to say at the launch of the HIV Trust Fund for Nigeria (HTFN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
He urged the private sector to rise to the occasion so that the government maintains HIV transmission response activities to stop the spread.
Wigwe pointed out that the original emergency plan to fight HIV/AIDS must be transformed into a sustained response to prevent new infections and ensure that those receiving treatment stay on their medications.
He added that “the era of sustainability demands that Africans take responsibility and take ownership of response activities to curb the scourge.”
According to him, more than 80 percent of the funds for the response to HIV/AIDS come mainly from international donors, adding that the private sector currently contributes about two percent of the total funds allocated to HIV.
Therefore, he urged the private sector to do more to fund programs and initiatives to eradicate HIV in the country, affirming Access Bank’s readiness to support an improved health system.
He said: “Access Bank is not known for complacency. We are known for our official and economic growth momentum for leadership on national health issues, particularly the national response to COVID-19.
“Access Bank has partnered with other private sector organizations from the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) to educate our staff and increase public awareness and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.”
Wigwe expressed the commitment of the bank and other private sector organizations to ensure that mothers are tested and medicines are provided to end mother-to-child transmission.
Dangote Group Chairman Alhaji Aliko Dangote said it was everyone’s responsibility to reduce the number of people living with the virus to zero.
Dangote said that the money to be raised from the launch of HTFN will be channeled towards getting all pregnant women tested and treated.
He called on the private sector to work with the public sector as often to end the spread of HIV in the country.
Shell Petroleum’s CEO, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, pledged the oil company’s commitment to fund initiatives to end the scourge.
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