America pledges support for the welfare of orphans in Nigeria, donates N2.9m to the cause
In the News this time, Vanguard News Website reports that the “US Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria yesterday (in an event) announced a N2.9 million micro-grant to about 50 women caregivers to support the economic well-being of their families, particularly the vulnerable children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in five local communities in Apapa local government area of Lagos”.
Acting U.S. Consul General, Will Steuer, was quoted reiterating his people’s commitment to see the fight against HIV/AIDS to victory. Will Steuer assured Nigeria of having the US’s backing on the war against the virus.
“The people and government of the United States continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria and Nigerian families in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic,” the Acting U.S. Consul General said.
While addressing the audience at the event, compressing of senior local government actors, health, and community leaders, Will Steuer noted that the significance of the event was to demonstrate and encourage all to support others, emphasizing importantly on children affected by HIV/AIDS.
“Today’s event highlights the importance of supporting families, especially children who are affected by HIV/AIDS through programs that not only support treatment for the infected, but also to improve the socio-economic well-being of families affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as the PEPFAR Small Grants Program seeks to do.”
The Vanguard News Website recalled that “U.S.-Nigeria partnership on HIV/AIDS began in 2004 through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and from 2004 to 2016, United States support for HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support programs in Nigeria has totaled more than 4.3 billion U.S. dollars in support of the Nigeria HIV/AIDS response.”
According to Vanguard, “it was pointed out,” at the event “that beneficiaries of the various training programs are expected to empower themselves and their families by building small businesses that will create more reliable income flows and improve their standard of living.”