WORLD AIDS DAY 2021: Ketebu-Brown hails Gov Diri on renewed advocacy against spread of HIV/AIDS
The Vice President (Africa) World Assembly of Youths (WAY) and former Secretary of State Action Committee on Aids (SACA), Comrade Preye Ketebu-Brown has commended the governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri for reviving advocacy against Aids.
Ketebu-Brown in a statement said he was glad to be invited to be part of World AIDS Day 2021 organized by the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (BYSACA).
The world youth leader said he participated in the advocacy activities which included road-walk and outdoor speech session where he presented a goodwill message at the occasion held at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Wednesday 1st December 2021.
He opined that revival of the annual World AIDS Day advocacy in Bayelsa State was yet another strong indication that the Douye Diri administration was determined to actualize a regime of prosperity for Bayelsans.
“In this pandemic era it is highly commendable that BYSACA led by the Acting-Director-General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Azebi is able to sustain and increase the tempo of public awareness of HIV/AIDS through the masses oriented 2020 and 2021 World Aids Day public events,” he said.
He also commended the enthusiasm displayed by Bayelsan Youths and NYSC membhers during the advocacy activities.
The youth leader called on the state government to re-constitute the Board of the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BYSACA) to enable the Agency actualize its full potentials in the fight against HIV/AIDS and indeed compliment measures put in place to control /eradicate similar viral diseases.
“As a statutorily constituted Board, BY-SACA will be in a better position to attract enormous support from the parade of development Agencies disposed to funding the fight against HIV/AIDS, protection of People living with HIV Virus and care for OVCs.
“I am pleased to observe that the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (BYSACA) appears to be in safe hands as it is not resting on its oars but going etra miles to protect the lives and health of Bayelsans through proactive ingenuity, sacrifice and collaborative innovations,” he noted.
In line with the African Union 2001 Abuja Declaration, the African youth leader encouraged the Government of Bayelsa State to ensure commitment of 15% of her annual budget to healthcare in the best interest of every Bayelsan.
He pointed out that the World Assembly of Youth will continue to market the good policies and programs of the administration with the goal of attracting global development partners to support the development of Bayelsa State.
Ketebu-Brown asserted that the Douye Diri administration was matching its words with action, adding “Happy 2021 World AIDS Day to Bayelsans, Nigerians, Africans and youths of the World in general.â€
A minute silence was observed during the event in honour of Late Dr. Bolere Ketebu-Okehie who was former Vice Chairman of Bayelsa State SACA.
“As we continue to celebrate her life and legacies in our own little ways and corners, may her soul continue to enjoy repose in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen,” the world youth leader concluded.
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