By Jovitta Iorshase
The Executive Secretary, Benue State AIDS Control Agency (BenSACA), Dr Tyo Ephraim has called on the Church to stand out and make sure HIV infections are recorded no more, with the love, care and encouragement people living with HIV/AIDS should receive.
Dr Ephraim made the call, through his spokesperson, Mrs Rebecca Idoko during an inter-denominational church service held Sunday at the Catholic Youth Centre Parish, Makurdi in preparation for the 2022 World AIDS Day (WAD) commemoration.
He maintained that, the theme of this year’s commemoration which is; “Equalize”is aimed at correcting what is undermined or others are deprived of and come together to take it back as one.
“Equalize talks on reformation of community norms and laws, that are detrimental to the fight against HIV/AIDS, people and discrimination, stigma etc.
“Equality also frowns at inequalities such as, even when a man with two wives, loves one more than the other or when parents deprive a female child equal rights with the male just because of her gender. Give them equal rights, all children are equal and will be useful to you,” he stressed.
He concluded with a charge on Christians to give a smile to infected persons as that it will serve as great healing.
Earlier, in a Homily, Rev. Fr Benjamin Ukpanya (VC) charged his parishioners and Christians in general, to prepare for the coming of Christ, which can be his birth, second coming or through individual deaths.
He said, as the Catholic church commences its new year (Advent Sunday) every one must prepare by living lives according to the will of God, by reaching out to the needy, sick, reconciling with everyone, saying kind words to others etc.
“The Church ask people to begin to prepare for the coming of Christ so that, whenever and whichever way He comes, we shall not be found wanting,” he stated.
Fr Ukpanya further cautioned Christians against procrastination and asked them to change now as the time to change in future might never come.