Yobe Distributes Free Drugs to HIV/AIDS PATIENTS

The Yobe State Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS (SACA) has distibuted 15 million naira worth of antiretrivirol drugs with the establishment of three counselling centres in Potiskum, Gashua and Damaturu the state capital.

This measure is to prevent further spread and prevalence of Human Immune Defiency Virus (HIV) and A Acquired Immune Defiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the state.

Distributing the drugs in Damaturu to 10 support groups of people living with HIV/AIDS the agency's Executive Director Hajiya Farida Suleiman Mamudo said besides antiretroviral drugs 100 sewing machines and 50 sewing machines were also distributed.

Her words" the procurement and distribution of these drugs and the job creating materials are to assist the people living with HIV/AIDS to be self reliant and productive for an independent life.

She said the drugs are distributed free at the Comprehensive Health Centres and General Hospitals at Potiskum, Gashua and Damaturu adding that the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the state has been falling from 3.8 percent in 2003 to 3.7 percent in 2005 and 2.7 percent in 2010.

Hajiya Farida called on those living with the disease to submit themselves voluntarily for counsellind and treatment.