12 December 2013 - In commemoration of World AIDS Day, and as part of its Gender and Development (GAD) program, the Philippine Embassy Abuja, Nigeria held a seminar on HIV / AIDS, Malaria, and other Infectious Diseases Awareness at the Embassy Library on November 28. The seminar was conducted by GEDE Foundation, a Nigerian NGO dedicated to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in Africa.
The seminar was attended by about 30 persons including the Philippine Embassy staff and their families, local staff of the Philippine Embassy, members of Filipino community in Abuja, and Nigerian friends of the Embassy. It was aimed at increasing the awareness of Embassy staff and Filipino community on the prevention of HIV / AIDS, Malaria, and other infectious diseases.
In his opening remarks, Charge d’ Affaires, a.i. Ralf G. Roldan stressed that Filipinos abroad must take care of their health and gain awareness on AIDS and other infectious diseases.
During the interactive lecture and discussions of Dr. Ameh Michael Adah, Medical Officer and Unit Manager of GEDE Foundation, it was noted that Nigeria had one of the highest rates of HIV / AIDS infection in the World. Dr. Adah explained the nature, modes of transmission, and measures to prevent HIV / AIDS. Dr. Adah also lectured on diseases like Malaria and typhoid fever, and discussed their symptoms, modes of transmission, vaccine / prophylaxis treatment, and preventive measures to stop the spread of the diseases. A lively Q and A ensued after his presentation.
Mrs. Linda Cynthia Omeka, Coordinator of Organization for Positive Productivity (OPP) discussed the stigma and discrimination suffered by people living with HIV. Mr. Godwin Elim, Program Manager of GEDE Foundation, and Ms. Jeremy Boglosa, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and Coordinator of GEDE Foundation informed the participants on the History, Objective, and Social services program of GEDE Foundation. Mr. Sean Cang, another OFW working at GEDE Foundation, distributed free information brochures and prophylactics to the attendees, and conducted free services in taking vital signs. Mr. Cang also distributed polyethylene mosquito nets to Embassy personnel. END
