In a bid to shore up protection for residents of Bonny Island in Rivers State against cholera, human immune deficiency syndrome (HIV) and acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the Rotary Club of Grand Bonny and the Ibani-Se Initiative have embarked on a sensitization and awareness creation campaign.

President, Rotary Club of Grand Bonny, Sotonye Wilcox, who flagged off the campaign on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Bonny Ultra-Modern Market along King Asimini Bypass (Berger Road), Bonny, stated that it is aimed at raising the awareness of residents on two life threatening diseases.  

She further stated that HIV/AIDS and Cholera remain very deadly diseases claiming millions of lives globally, informing that though cholera is treatable, HIV/AIDS still lacks a cure, stressing that this informed the partnership between the Rotary Club of Grand Bonny and the Ibani-Se Initiative to create awareness on these two diseases.

“HIV remains a deadly diseases and still does not have cure. Cholera, however, has a cure and if you are infected you can go to a hospital and get treatment.”

“It is due to the dangerous nature of these two diseases that these two organizations, Rotary Club of Grand Bonny and Ibani-Se Initiative to come and talk to us about HIV/AIDS and Cholera.”

On her part, the Programme Manager of Ibani-Se Initiative, Justicia Green reiterated the need for intentional actions geared towards protecting themselves from infection, enumerating that abstinence, spousal fidelity, use condoms and non-sharing of sharp objects are some fo the ways to ensure one is safe.   

“Condomize. Instead of a person to come and give you HIV, use condom. Though condom is not 100% sure, at least it will help you to a certain point. It’s not 100% sure but it reduces your risk of infection.

“Abstinence; be faithful and condomize. Don’t share sharp objects, get your nail cutter, hair clipper. If you’re sick, try and get to a hospital. Let a doctor check you.     

She also encouraged the participants to register with the Bonny Community Health Insurance Programme (BHCIP), pointing out that it is a cost-effective and efficient health management scheme that will ensure they are in good health all year round, enjoining them to always ensure that the blood is screened whenever they are receiving transfusions.

Earlier, the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) of Bonny LGA, Tonye Jack, who was represented by his Assistant, Jacqueline Allison, informed that cholera, which is acute during the rainy season, is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera, adding that cholera remains a global threat to public health.

He pointed out that lack of sanitary hygiene and unhealthy environments are major causes of cholera outbreak and spread, alerting that most vulnerable groups to cholera are children and the aged, advising that hand washing with soap and water is key to preventing infection and ensuring longevity.