Tobechukwu Okonkwo foundation (TOF) a grassroot human development non-government Organization has reiterated the foundation's commitment to actively champion grassroot vanguard of the global response targeted at zero reduction of harmful impact of HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the 2011 World AIDS Day rally held at Asaba, the foundation Chairman, Mr. Tobechukwu Okonkwo stated that the foundation is now repositioned to effectively promote and defend the rights of persons and groups affected by the HIV/AIDS scourge.
Tobechukwu Okonkwo foundation observed that never before, since, mankind noticed the HIV/AIDs pandemic, have the need reached a moment where we can stand up collectively and say with conviction that we want to see the complete end of HIV/AIDS scourge.
The foundations Chairman, Mr. Tobechukwu Okonkwo, speaking on the task ahead, observed that “The foundation is optimistic that there will be a collective result –oriented action, which will be matched with great resilience and rear courage dotted with appropriate political will at all levels of both public and private governance structures.
Despite economic, financial and resources constraint, which most times stretch the expected HIV/AIDS response to its limits, Mr. Tobechukwu Okonkwo remarked that the foundation has empirical database-oriented facts that both the Nigerian public and private sectors have through their engagement saved some lives, as statifical records at the foundation's disposal indicates.
The foundation's Chairman recalled that governments at all levels of governance had between 2000 through 2004 committed to, as well as made realistic, tangible and bold promises on the reduction of HIV/AIDS problems, he charged that “our government must seek creative approach towards keeping these promises, stressing that keeping such promise is strategically touching lives progressively.
Mr. Tobechukwu Okonkwo recalled that the foundation’s involvement in the HIV/AIDs initiative is to demonstrate the foundation’s firm resolve towards making possible an AIDS– free generation, as well as supporting initiatives that will guarantee that no child should be born with HIV and ultimately prevent maternal death caused by AIDS.
He highlighted some recently recorded milestone in the HIV/AIDS global response to include, the fact that “the gap between treatment and prevention has ended, stating that treatment is now prevention”, in the same light.
On his views between Health and AIDS, he further commented that efforts are being put into place towards seeking greater response within the integrated and holistic health care service schemes, which he said is paving way for a people-centered health care delivery system, one with human rights issue at the centre as well as restores respect and dignity of every Deltans and Nigerian, Mr. Tobechukwu Okonkwo remarked.
On National HIV/AIDS response funding, Mr. Okonkwo believes that both the public and private sectors must seek mutual working relationships with a shared responsibility focus targeted at reducing to point zero the negative impact of the dreaded epidemic.
Today, on the World AIDS Day, I call upon all National, State and Local Government Leaders, community based leaders, parents, young people, HIV/AIDS caregivers, people living with HIV, HIV/AIDS rights activists and volunteers to look forward and work strategically toghether towards a world with zero new HIV infections; zero AIDS–related death and Zero Discrimination, it is possible, yes we can, lets do it today, were Mr. okonkwo's appeal to all.
The foundation partnered with Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA)-Delta State Chapter, the Delta State Action Committee on HIV/AIDS (DELSACA); Asaba Post News-Wire, online media publications and the young basket and players training at the Asaba Township Stadium.
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