HIV/AIDS: B'da public sensitised on ‘social vaccine’

The Chantal Biya International Reference Centre delegation also commissioned multi-media centres in two schools.

The ‘Social Vaccine’, an initiative of the First Lady, Mrs. Chantal Biya, has been saluted in Bamenda as a plus in government’s efforts for a society free of Sexually-transmitted Diseases, STDs and HIV/AIDs. The event on April 30, 2016, was the launch of the of the sensitization campaign against STDs and HIV/AIDs and the inauguration of the multi media/video conference centres in Presbyterian Secondary School, PSS Mankon and ‘Ecole les Champions’ Fondation Chantal Biya, Bamenda.

At ‘Ecole les Champions’ Fondation Chantal Biya, Up station, Bamenda, the centre features 10 computers, giant television screens, projectors, savers and surveillance cameras; while in PSS Mankon, the First Lady’s gifts include 20 complete computer sets with Internet connection, 32-inch television set, surveillance cameras, amongst others. Authorities of both institutions were urged to put the multimedia centres to proper use. While launching the ‘Social Vaccine’ campaign in the Bamenda Congress Hall, North West Governor, Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, called on the population of the region not to relent their efforts in the fight against the deadly pandemic.

He said the ‘Social Vaccine’ in the form of books will go a long way in developing basic skills in the fight against the deadly HIV/AIDS. He said the books, which will be introduced to nursery school children, will inculcate in them the values of being responsible. As such, they will grow up to know how to prevent the deadly disease. He added that statistics show that youths are the most infected; as such the launch was timely as they will be taught how to stay away from unsafe sex.

The Coordinator of the ‘Social Vaccine’, Mrs. Jaji Mbah Rose, while presenting the programme, explained that it was meant to enable learners acquire necessary values to fight HIV/AIDS. She said the package comprise pupils’ and teachers’ books, CDs and videos, in response to the two educational sub-systems in Cameroon. She said it will inculcate good behavioral patterns in very young children who will obviously grow up with it. The lessons are activity-driven, she added.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Right Reverend Fonki Samuel was around to thank the First Lady, Mrs. Chantal Biya, for such a wonderful gesture. He described her as a woman “with a golden heart.”

The Director of the Chantal Biya International Reference Centre, Professor Alexis Ndjolo, said infection HIV/AIDs infection rate in the North West Region stands at 62 per cent, higher than the national prevalence rate. As such, he said Mrs. Chantal Biya was more determined to stamp out the disease from Cameroon.