Government seeks private sector partnership in cancer, HIV/AIDS awareness

The Lagos State government has identified the need to explore the private sector involvement in its drive to increase public awareness of cancer, HIV/AIDS to further stem the spread of these diseases.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said that there is need for the private sector and Non-Governmental Organizations to continually support and partner with government in the area of research and public education of these diseases.

Speaking at an awareness outreach on breast, cervical cancer screening and HIV testing and counseling for youth in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Akinbile-Yussuf though the state was aware of the heavy burden the diseases place on victims, awareness at all public and professional fora will go a long way in reducing the spread with the assistance of other health intervention programmes in the state.

The Commissioner urged youths and residents of the area to utilize the free screening, testing and counseling made available for them by the government.
The Speaker, Lagos State Youth Parliament, Seriki Muritala, who spoke on HIV prevention and care enjoined patients not to loose hope but should instead seek counseling from certified counselors in government-owned hospitals in the state.