Prevention of HIV/AIDS: Gombe Monarch Reduces Bride Price

(DailyTrust) The paramount ruler in Billiri Local Government of Gombe State Mai Tangle, Dr. Abdu Buba Maisheru II has explained that the Chiefdom has reduced the dowry and other costs involved in marriages in an effort to reduce casual sex and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The Mai Tangle stated this in his Palace during the commencement of a three-day free health care services to the less privileged in the area which was organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in collaboration with SURE-P.

The monarch said the action taken by the Chiefdom has greatly reduced the rate of transmission of the diseases in his area and pledged the cooperation of his people towards the success of the programme.

The Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Health Honorable Usman Bature commended the initiative by NACA to bring health care services to the door step of the common man and explained that the State Legislature has initiated a process that will ensure adequate allocation and release of resources to fight HIV/AIDS in the State.

He called on the people of Billiri to avail themselves of the opportunity provided and get themselves tested of HIV, Diabetes, high blood pressure, malaria among others.

The Project Manager of the Gombe State Agency for the Control of AIDS (GOMSACA), Dr. Suraj Abdulkarim explained that the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the State has significantly dropped through awareness campaigns and mobilization as well as active participation of stakeholders in the fight against the disease.

The Senior Programmes Officer of NACA, Dr. Ibrahim Mamuda said the free medical campaign in Gombe with the theme, “getting zero HIV stigma and death” is first in six states of the zone and explained further that qualified medical personnel and drugs were provided to address the general ailments of the people.

Centers established for the free Clinical services included the Palace of the Mai Tangle, Kofar Galadima, Bare, Tal Community and Bakin Tasha with over four thousand persons attended to for various sicknesses.