MANDATORY HIV/AIDS TESTS FOR POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS, MY PRIORITY – UKAGBA
Educational
I am a graduate of Medicine from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Veterinary Doctor to be precise, I also hold a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in Business studies, Dublin Business School ; Post graduate Diploma Infectious Disease London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicines (LSHTM); MSC Infectious Disease, University of London; presently a research student of LSHTM with an interest in the control of HIV/AIDs, Malaria and Tuberculosis.
One of my reasons for aspiring for Orlu senatorial seat is for effective representation and meaningful contribution on the floor of the Senate. There has been an imbalance due to zoning system. In the course of the imbalance, one of the previous senators made a comment that he does not need name or money. But as for me, I need both name and money, because without a good name, gold has no value and station no dignity. For the fact, that I need name, I must work hard for money. I will devote my salary to fight against Malaria and HIV/ AIDS in Orlu zone.
Vision and goal
If given the mandate, my aim is see to the full implementation of human rights to health and the attainment of the highest standard of health to every individual irrespective of the financial background. I will move a motion for mandatory HIV/AIDs testing for all political office holders, starting with the president with the principle of confidentiality still maintained.
In fact, I have just written to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations on how to control HIV/ AIDs in sub-saharan Africa to which Nigeria belongs. The write-up which I tagged 'Ukagba Model of control' is targeted to fight stigma which is the main problem of HIV/AIDs control and prevention.
Nigerian political holders are seen as role models by the entire citizenry. The benefits will be enormous. It will encourage Nigerians to go for a test. They will no longer feel shy or embarrassed about going for HIV test and by so dong, Nigerians will know their HIV status. If they are negative, they will be properly counselled on the best way to live their life, and if positive, they will start taking treatment, and by so doing, they will prevent transmission to others. Knowing their status will also make them live long and have the understanding that being HIV positive is not a death sentence. In essence, that HIV becomes a silent disease which may result to death if not tested and treated. People shy away from the test due to stigmatization . if stigma is fought to the minimal , the battle of HIV will be over.
Industralization
Whatever the zone deserves in terms of industrialization will definitely be promoted by me. But meanwhile, I will abide by the principle of prudence, affordability and sustainability. I will advocate for a cottage industry such as poultry, fish farming, snail farmi ng, skill acquisition through micro-finance system .By so doing, the people will be helped out and become self employed.
Empowering the youth
To empower women is to first and foremost fight gender inequality, because women bear most of the grudges especially disease and poverty.
For the youth, they will be given their rightful position in the society .
For the graduates among them , they will be employed and in the absence of employment, there should be some social welfare system where the government provides for them monthly or weekly which will be one of the bill to be passed in the house. When this is done, the rate of crime will be reduced. Youths will no longer be involved in political thuggery, kidnapping , prostitution and other social vices.