The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has expressed worries over the high rate of children living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Nigeria.
According to the Council, about 160,000 children were living with HIV in Nigeria, with only 45,000 receiving treatment.
The council, therefore, urged the government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to curtail the spread of HIV/AIDS among children in the country.
CCN President, Most Rev. David Onuoha, made the call at the closing ceremony of the HIV intervention programme implemented in collaboration with the World Council of Churches, WCC, in Abuja.
“Our mission is to identify with the needy and less privileged, and to make a positive impact on their lives. Our efforts have been enriching and impactful,” he said.
He further reaffirmed the council’s commitment to combating the HIV epidemic in the society, and seeks the support of all relevant NGOs and government agencies in the crusade.
The World Council of Churches (WCC), through its representative, Ms Gracias Ross assured of the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“We must change things. If these children are alone and don’t have a family, the church has to be their family,” she stated.
“This is the calling that we should become the father of the fatherless and fight for the widows and fight for justice.”
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