Soyinka gave the charge in a “Keep the Promise to AIDS” Video Campaign unveiled by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in Abuja yesterday.
The Noble Laurel said the government was not unaware of the level of affliction the spread of the virus has caused as well as the human devastation in the country.
“The government has made promises; they have the power to step down the epidemic. You witness campaigns by voluntary bodies urging safe and responsible lifestyle among the most vulnerable youths. These campaigns need official backing and resources let there be a commitment and moral duty to implement plans that would wipe out AIDS within this generation. You have global obligations, fulfill them and keep your promises,’’ Soyinka appealed.
The Country Programme Director, AHF, Dr Echey Ijezie, underscored the need to fill the funding gap in the HIV and AIDS response in the country.
Ijezie also urged the federal and state governments as well as stakeholders to keep the promise on funding in order to ensure that the promise made to every person placed on treatment was fulfilled.
“AHF will continue to advocate by speaking about the ills, challenges and gaps in treatment, standing against discrimination and ensuring that love is shown to persons living with the virus,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Publisher, Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, tasked journalists to hold people in government accountable in order to help provide keen accountability for health budgetary provisions at national and state levels.
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