WORLD AIDS DAY: GOV. DICKSON WARNS EMPLOYERS NOT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AIDS VICTIMS

WORLD AIDS DAY: GOV. DICKSON WARNS EMPLOYERS NOT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AIDS VICTIMS

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has warned employers against discrimination and stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the State.The Governor, who gave the warning at the occasion of the 2012 World AIDS Day at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, noted that people living with HIV/AIDS should be accorded the same rights as others, while describing them as “distinct people”.According to him, “Government cares for them and is committed to their welfare”.

Commenting on the appeal made by a representative of the Bayelasans Living with HIV/AIDS (BLHA), Hon. Dickson promised that his administration will sustain the N10, 000 monthly stipends paid to them despite operating a prudent policy in Governance.He also informed them of Government’s intentions to offer them soft loans as part of its empowerment programme for the people noting however, that they are required to pay back such loans.

Expressing deep concern about the high prevalence rate of the HIV/AIDS scourge in the State, the Governor promised that his administration will not stop until it records zero AIDS related deaths in the State.Accordingly, Hon. Dickson announced that a day will be set aside in the State for a road walk/Jogging which will be christened “running for life” pointing out that regular exercise promotes healthy living.

The Governor said the World AIDS Day should remind the people on the need to stay healthy recalling that one of cardinal points of Government restoration Agenda during his gubernatorial campaign was the total elimination of HIV/AIDs in the state.The promise, he stated had been kept by Government with a law put in place backing the establishment of an agency for the control of HIV/AIDs in the state.Governor Seriake Dickson had earlier led top government functionaries on a road walk from Ekeki motor park to Peace park as part of activities marking the 2012 World AIDS Day celebration describing the walk as “A walk to health”.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Anapurere Awoli said the fight to eliminate the HIV/AIDS scourge in the State should not only be the duty of BYSACA but all the people while encouraging the people to demonstrate good habit and be knowledgeable about its effect on the society The Commissioner commended the State governor for taking pro-active steps in the health sub sector in the State.Also speaking, the Director-General of the State Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Temple Iluma called on Bayelsans to modify their sexual behaviors.

 In another development, governor Dickson has commissioned the BYSACA HIV Counseling and Testing Centre along Isaac Adaka Boro Expressway, Etegwe- Yenagoa, encouraging the people to live healthy lifestyles and warning against the effect of HIV/AIDs.In his welcome address, the DG, BYSACA said the establishment of the HIV Counseling and Testing Centre was crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDs due to the modern facilities available at the centre. 

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor x Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson taken the Kick off duringa Charity football match between Creek Haven All Star and Creek HavenYoung Stars to commemorate the World HIV/AIDS Day Celebration at theGloryland Castle Field in Yenagoa.Photo by Lucky Francis, Government House, Yenagoa