Emir Bayero stresses trado, NACA collaboration

By SALISU BASO

KANO Emirate Council has advocated for a collaboration of traditional medicine practitioners and the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA) in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero stated this when the NACA chairman, Prof. Babatunde Oshetumehin paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.
Alhaji Bayero explained that traditional medicine practitioners have greater role to play in eradicating the menace, adding that the committee should join in the crusade through collaboration with other stakeholders in that direction.
The emir then pledged the support and cooperation of the emirate council towards the success of the programme.
He appealed to individuals and organisations to assist the committee in sensitizing the people on the dangers of the infection.
Earlier speaking, NACA national chairman, Prof. Babatunde Oshetumehin had said that he was at the palace to express his appreciation over the effort of the emirate council in enlightening the public on the dangers of the infection.
He, however, said that the rate of the infection has been reduced from five per cent to four per cent, adding that the committee will continue to provide drugs to those infected.
Prof. Oshetumehin commended the federal and state governments for their concern on ways of addressing the infection.
He said that NACA is engaged in voluntary and counseling exercise in order to sensitize the public on the infection.