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By Talatu Maiwada

Mr Terri Ford, Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), has called on world leaders to ensure a more inclusive and equitable world.

Ford made the call in a statement in Abuja on Monday by Mr Steve Aborisade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF-Nigeria, in commemoration of International Women’s Day.

Ford said women played immeasurable roles in the society, adding that, “collectively we can create an inclusive world’’.

Ford expressed delight over women leaders, who performed exceptionally at all levels, stressing that in many parts of the world, women were often disproportionately affected by crises, such as COVID-19 and HIV.

“In achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world, AHF urges leaders at all levels of government, community and business on this IWD to “Keep the Promise” by striving for gender equality.

“Let’s do what is necessary to create a world that keeps women and girls safe and secure including ensuring unrestricted access to lifesaving HIV testing, prevention and treatment services.

“We are proud to have exceptional women and women leaders throughout the entire AHF family.

“We could not have maintained our operating capacity and continued caring for more than 1.5 million clients globally if not for our extraordinary women in leadership positions at all levels,’’ Ford said.

Also speaking, Dr Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, said that the foundation, had partnered with rural community women called ‘mentor mothers’ to ensure a halt in the spate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.

According to him, poor uptake of antenatal care (ANC) services among young women and girls in rural areas has been identified as a key factor in the rise of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

“One of the ways to boost uptake of ANC services is to create more awareness and education among rural populace through community leaders in structured campaigns and education.

“In commemoration of IWD, AHF will appreciate women leaders for their roles and impact new skills to tackle barriers to ANC uptake among young women and girls in rural areas.

“The foundation will also be pairing its social media initiative with IWD events and advocacy that seek to inspire change for gender equality.

“These will be done with strict observance of the Covid-19 protocols,’’ he said.

NAN reports that 2021 IWD with the theme: “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world’’ is celebrated every March 8, to draw attention to the need for equal rights and identify women’s suffrage.

AHF is the largest global AIDS Organisation, which currently provides medical care and services to over 1.5 million clients in 45 countries worldwide including Nigeria.

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