By CHIOMA OBINNA

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has challenged government at all levels to make reduction of HIV/AIDS prevalence and eradication a cardinal objective as the country marks her centenary anniversary in 2014.

The body of medical doctors also wants  government to prioritise HIV/AIDS in budget appropriation activities in the next fiscal year at various legislative houses.

President of the Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele said the call was for concerted efforts to further bring down the national HIV prevalence from 3.4 percent to less than 2 percent in the next five years.

“The continued high prevalence of maternal to child transmission remains a great challenge to all stakeholders in this business and particularly of great concern to the NMA.”

Further, he called on organised private sector, other stakeholders and Nigerians to scale up their support for reduction of HIV/AIDS prevalence and Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

He expressed hope that implementing the World Health Organization, WHO, new guidelines for HIV testing and counseling and care for adolescents would be a very valuable tool for achieving the objective.

“The NMA advocates that efforts should be intensified towards improved access to anti-retroviral therapy to all those who need it.”