Over 470,000 residents affected with HIV virus in Lagos — Lawmakers

Mr Segun Olulade, the Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health, said that no fewer than 470, 435 residents had been affected by the HIV virus in Lagos state.

Olulade (APC-Epe II) said this on the floor of the House as part of activities to commemorate the World AIDS’ Day.

He, however, urged the House to support the people living with Aids.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dec. 1 is World AIDS’ Day.

According to him, there is the need for all to pull efforts together to fight the disease.

“There is the need to show support to those living with AIDS; today gives us the opportunity to identify with the people living with the disease.

“It is a serious issue that cannot be ignored or treated with levity, “the chairman said.

The lawmaker said that the figure was obtained from the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency(LSACA).

The chairman called on the state government and relevant agencies to support the enlightenment programmes aimed at stemming the spread of the disease.

Mr Sola Giwa (APC-Lagos Island I) said, “The issue of the deadly disease is germane. HIV virus requires all hands on deck to eradicate its spread.

“I urge residents of the state to know that HIV /AIDS is real, there is no cure for it, and everyone should protect themselves’’.

Mr Yinka Ogundimu (APC-Agege II) urged the government and Nigerians to show care and love to people living with the disease.

Also Mr Tunde Braimoh, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, urged the government to pay attention to other life-threatening diseases.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, said that residents needed to be aware that HIV/AIDS was real and rampant.

The House, however, called on residents to be conscious of their safety, stressing that HIV/AIDS was real and rampant.