Abuja – Mrs Kate Elu, a HIV positive patient, has called for collective efforts to create more awareness for others still ignorant of what to do when they contract the virus.
Elu spoke at the end of a programme to mark the World AIDs Day at the Sisters of Nativity Hospital, Jikwoyi, Abuja on Tuesday.
“Lets try to reach out to people that don’t have an idea on what to do when they find themselves in such situation.
“We should be careful because sometimes we say it doesn’t matter but that is carelessness’’, she added.
Elu said for those that are already taking drugs, they should not miss taking them and should try to help others not to infect others out of deliberate wickedness.
Rev. Sis. Susan Tongve, the Administrator of the hospital run by the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, said HIV and AIDS are major ailments being tackled in the health sector.
“The truth of the matter is that HIV is real. It is one of the ailments we are trying to see that we tackle in the health sector.
“There are drugs that those who are HIV positive are taking but the fact still remains that it has no cure.
“If you take the Anti Retroviral Drugs (ARDs), the viral load reduces and your immunity is built.
“The opportunistic infections no longer have a way because HIV lowers your immunity and other ailments thrive’’, she said.
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Tongve, however, called on people to take it as a matter of urgency to try and know their status.
“People should try to know their status; if you test yourself and notice you are HIV positive, go to a health center and avail yourself a cure.
“The health personnel will counsel you on that and if you are negative you should try to stay negative all your life.” (NAN)
