The North
Bank Regional AIDs Office in Kerewan recently held community outreach
sensitization on prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and
Voluntary Counseling and Testing.
The programme was part of activities marking World AIDS Day to raise more public awareness on HIV and AIDS.
The outreach campaign was held in Kerr Pateh Koreh in Central Badibou and Fass Njaga Choi of Lower Nuimi.
Babou Jimba Jobe, regional AIDS coordinator, underscored the importance attached to the fight against HIV and AIDS by the National AIDS Secretariat and Global Fund against TB and Malaria.
The PMTCT would contribute to promoting zero new infections and controlling the spread of virus, said Mr Jobe.
He calls on everyone to endeavour to know their HIV status and provide support and care to people living with HIV and AIDS.
Mamud Drammeh, an alkalo in the region, thanked the organizer for the foresight in providing services to people and hailed the community for the high turnout.
Lamin Darboe of Kerewan Health Centre said the fight against HIV and AIDS calls for concerted efforts from all, saying the campaign would help healthcare service providers to provide much-needed support to people infected with HIV.
He also calls on people to report suspected cases to the nearest health facilities for further investigation and treatment.
Commenting on PMTCT services, Darboe asserted that it would prevent unborn child from contracting the HIV virus.
The women expressed delight for the community outreach sensitization and VCT.
The two-day campaign witnessed presentation of prizes to people for responding positively to question-and-answer sessions.
