Chevron and the Global Fund have celebrated their 12th year in the fight against infectious diseases – HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.
The Chairman and Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Jeff Ewing, has lauded the 12-year partnership between Chevron Global Fund in building of resilient health systems in Nigeria.
Jeff explained that the partnership between Chevron and Global Fund is an example of how Chevron is contributing strategically to the development of Nigeria by helping to improve the health of its people.
[Also Read] Checking The Menace Of Tuberculosis In Nigeria: The Agbami Example
He affirmed that Chevron has been one of the largest Global Fund corporate partners, adding that its partnership focuses on capacity development initiatives, joint advocacy and communications campaigns, and other local initiatives.
“Chevron also encourages its staff to share their skills with the local programs to help improve grant reach and performance,” he said.
He stated that Chevron’s $5 million investment from October 2017 has supported the national HIV and TB programmes in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the following national results by 2019: more than 1 million people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.
It further stated that more than 42,000 HIV-positive pregnant women received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy to prevent passing the virus to their babies; while over 1 million HIV-positive patients were screened for TB in HIV care or treatment settings; more than 7 million people tested for HIV and received their results and oover 2.8 million pregnant women knew their HIV status.
It noted that the grants supported by Chevron in Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo and Lagos States helped train midwives to conduct testing; improved data quality and strengthened laboratory capacity. Chevron’s support in Nigeria also improved patient care and public financial management capacity, and supported a State health insurance scheme, which are key steps towards universal health coverage.
[Also Read] Joint Winners of NLNG 2017 Nigeria Prize for Science reveals New Malaria Control Initiatives
The Global Fund is an international financing and partnership organization that aims to attract, leverage and invest additional resources to end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria to support attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations on good health and well-being.
By Peace Obi.
Be the first to know when we publish an update
