The U.S. Consul General in Nigeria, Claire Pierangelo, disclosed that the American government had provided over $6 billion since 2003 as assistance for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

On Tuesday, Ms Pierangelo revealed this when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan.

She stated that 1.2 million Nigerians were currently under HIV/AIDS treatment, explaining that the delegation was in Ibadan for the launch of the HIV/AIDS Treatment Surge programme.

The programme is on Wednesday (today).

The consul general said the launch of the programme in the state would create additional opportunities for many people to benefit from the treatment.

 “Additionally, we are looking for other ways of cooperation, whether in training or cooperation on child immunisation,” she said.

In her response, the Secretary to the State Government, Olubamiwo Adeosun, who received the delegation on behalf of Mr Makinde, thanked the U.S. diplomat and her team.

Ms Adeosun said the government had held useful discussions with the delegation on cooperation between the state and the consulate.

“With those discussions, we know that they will be keying very much into the pillars of this government, especially in training, which has to do with education.

“As well as the whole HIV surge programme and other public health programmes we will be doing, which tie directly to our health policy,” she stated.

Ms Adeosun promised that actions would follow immediately after the launch of the programme in the state on Wednesday.

According to her, there will be more awareness within society on people coming forward to be identified for free HIV treatment and reduce stigma.

“People will understand that with the right system and processes, we can have HIV in control,” the SSG stated. 

(NAN)