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Menace of HIV/AIDS in Abuja
It is estimated that more than 3.5 million Nigerians live with the deadly virus HIV/AIDS. Women constitute 57% of this figure. The number of AIDS cases in Nigeria continues to rise exponentially from 1986 when it was first reported. In 1991, it was put at 1.8%, 3.8% in 1993, 4.5% in 1995, and 5.4% in 1999. The FCT, the nation’s capital has a high prevalence rate of 8.4% which is higher than the national prevalence rate. Some areas such as Garki, Gwagwalada and Nyanya have even higher prevalence rate of 10.3% and 9.2% respectively.
In 2005, AIDS claimed the lives of 220,000 persons leaving in its wake 93,000 orphans. Recent survey in 2006 indicates that 550,000 persons require anti-retroviral therapy. The devastating effects of AIDS on productive manpower and its depletion of the population are frightening. The imminent fear is that unless urgent measures are put in place, the situation is expected to reach an alarming level. This project is one such ways.

Impact of faith-based organisations
An interesting survey conducted by some young people showed that four out of every five Nigerian young person is affiliated to a religious group. Going by this survey, which brings to the fore the number of young people that are influenced by faith-based organisations, shows how much impact that would be made if organizations working to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS partner with these groups.

This realisation, to a large extent, led to the preparation of an action-plan by a group of professionals from different walks of life under a nongovernmental organisation known as Peoples’ Creative Empowerment International (PCEI).

Who we are and what we do
PCEI is a non-governmental organisation committed to grass-root empowerment and capacity building for community-based organisations. PCEI is working closely with youths in different faith-based organisations who are committed to combating the spread of HIV and AIDS in Nigeria. We hope to use tools that appeal to young people in passing this message. A survey conducted amongst the young people within an age bracket of 18 – 40 years revealed that a good mix of music, dance, comedy and interactive discussions around sexuality issues will make more lasting impact much more than an academic forum. We believe that decisive action, backed by local support, in collaboration with faith-based organisations can radically improve the outlook on this virus in Nigeria.

How can we do this?
In view of this finding, a Valentine Fever Programme was packaged. The programme will work to achieve the following:

• create awareness on the presence and effect of HIV and AIDS on young people by promoting the need for young people to live and love responsibly;
• empower our target audience with skills that will help them reduce the risk of contacting HIV and AIDS; and share tips on how they can stand out in competitive job market; and
• provide entertainment and relaxation for as many as 10,000 young persons who would be participating in this programme.

To this effect, letters will be written and meetings will be held with different religious leaders which would include various churches’ Action against Aids groups. There will Talks and Paper presentations by experts both Nigerians and regional and international. For more information cf. step-by-step action plan for the project also attached.

Expected outcome
It is hoped that three things would happen: firstly, that faith-based groups will become agents of change that will impact positively on the young people. Secondly, they will be well positioned to offer support; and thirdly, they will help young people to make a well informed decision about their lives and their hopes for the future. One recurring factor amongst all the faith-based and non faith-based organisations is that both parties want the young people to have the right kind of skills that will empower them to insist on an option relevant to their state in life, which would, to a large extent, reduce their risk of getting infected.

What you can do
Lastly, we are inviting you to allow yourself to be caught by this ‘fever’ by contributing to the success of the programme through any of the following:

• provide T-shirts and face-caps for any number of your choice, within the 10,000 young persons we shall be reaching;
• provide financial support for one or more items on the budget-line and,
• any other form of support you can provide to make the programme a success.

Your generous contributions based on any item of your choice on our enclosed budget, will help us organise a very successful awareness creation and empowerment training event.