Police to check spread of HIV/AIDS among members

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a ‘Police Strategic Plan’ document against the scourge of HIV/AIDs amongst its rank and file for 2014-2016.
Speaking at the occasion, the Inspection General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Abubakar said the Police Strategy Plan was necessary in the fight against the dreaded disease in the country as officers of the force constitute a significant percentage of the nation’s population.
The police boss who was represented by DIG Suleiman Fakai observed that over 3 million Nigerians are living with the HIV virus and then called on other stakeholders in the country not to relent efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDs.
He assured that the Police would always commit every available plan and resources to check the spread of the virus in Police formations all over the country.
Abubakar stressed that this was necessary as only a Police force with good health and sound mind could effectively perform the mandatory responsibility of protecting lives and property.
Also speaking, the chairman House Committee on Health, Honourable Godwin Elumelu lauded the police for promoting good health of Nigerians by developing such a strategic plan document on how to combat the spread of HIV/AIDs.
He reminded the gathering of the 2008 event where 24 Police trainees were dismissed over their HIV status, adding that people living with HIV/AIDS deserve sympathy rather than stigmatization.
Elumelu said: “This is the time to take positive action to stop stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. They are our brothers and sisters. They need our empathy. They need our assistance and encouragement.
“The current 7th National Assembly recognizes the negative effect of discrimination of persons living with HIV/AIDS. We came up with A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for the Prevention of HIV/AIDs based discrimination and to protect the Human Right and Dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS which we hope to be passed very soon,” he added.