The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has said that out of around 160,000 children living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Nigeria, only 45,000 are getting treatment.
Speaking at the end of an HIV intervention programme in Abuja, in partnership with the World Council of Churches (WCC), the council urged the Nigerian government and other partners to do more to fight HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among children.
Most Rev. David Onuoha, the CCN president, represented by Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa, expressed concern about the large number of children living with the disease. He stressed the importance of tackling this issue.
He said, “Our mission is to identify with the needy and less privileged and to make a positive impact on their lives. Our efforts have been enriching and impactful. We are committed to combating the HIV epidemic in our society, and we urge all relevant NGOs and government agencies to join us in this crusade.
“While we have made some progress in preventing the transmission of HIV from mother to child, we still have much work to do. According to statistics, Nigeria has a high number of children who are HIV victims – 160,000, with only 45,000 undergoing treatment. This is unacceptable, and we must do more to address this issue.”
Also, WCC representative, Ms Gracias Ross reaffirmed the commitment of the organisation to supporting Nigeria in the fight against the disease.
She said, “160,000 children are living with HIV, but remember that two million people are living with HIV in Nigeria. They will have partners and children. In what condition will these children be born?
“We must change things. If these children are alone and don’t have a family, the church has to be their family. This is the calling that we should become the father of the fatherless, fight for the widows and fight for justice.
“You can imagine how many young people don’t have any positive orientation on sexuality. So the Church should be bringing light to these large numbers of young people in Nigeria who are not having information.”
The WCC’s contribution to the HIV/AIDS battle in Nigeria has been commendable. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara, General Secretary of the CCN, expressed appreciation, highlighting the achievements accomplished through the programme in various states.
