The Christian Health Association Of Nigeria(CHAN), has revealed? that the dreaded HIV/AIDS claims more than 2,000 lives of the total population of the country.
This was disclosed by the director of Advocacy of the group, Pastor David Omorebokhae, during a one-day Round Table Discussion between CHAN Mission Health Institute and members of the Benue State House of Assembly,in Makurdi.
The director said? that above the average total of Nigerians especially women die everyday as a result of inadequate? maternal healthcare service delivery in the country and posited that the the ugly situation needed? concerted efforts both from the government? and other philanthropists to curbing the menace.
Omorebokhae lamented some of the associations’ financial challenges and pleaded with? the state and federal governments to consider the plight of the christian health institutions in budgetary allocations? to further facilitate its wide? activities in the provision of proper and adequate healthcare services to those infected with the scourge particularly those in the rural areas.
While responding,the Speaker of the Benue state House of Assembly,Barrister David Iorhemba pointed out the contributions of the state government and assured of the supported of Governor Gabriel Suswam led- administration,which according to him,has provided qualitative healthcare for the generality of the people of the state.
The Speaker, however,expressed concern over the long standing strike action embarked upon by health workers in the state but added that the healthcare sector was too large to be over dependent on government alone,and insisted that building synergies with a christian organization like CHAN would enhance development.
He opined that “no nation prospers without good healthcare services, that is the more reason why we have no reason to fail to accord top priority to health issues in the state.”