The State Programme Manager ,of FHI360 handling project in Adamawa state Dr. Murtala Umar ,said Over 700 households have been empowered to benefit under the Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services (SIDHAS) and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the state.
Umar made this known during presentation of empowerment materials to OVC and Caregivers in Yola Wednesday.
He said the project being implemented in three states in the country, including Adamawa state, is being funded by USAID/PEPFAR ,adding that the Organisation’s goals is to support children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and proving technical support to Nigerian government to mitigate malaria.
The programme Manager ,explained that the organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Adamawa State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ADSACA) enrolled over 10, 000 OVC and 2,525 caregivers into the national OVC management information system .
He said the FHI360 had partnered American University of Nigeria (AUN) in an effort to empower OVCs in providing training to older OVC and caregivers on income generating activities.
“Accordingly, we have supported the Ministry of Women Affairs, Social development and integration to build the capacity of older orphans and vulnerable children through the ADSACA’s HIV Programme Development Project 11 funded by World Bank.
“The successes of the above partnership efforts which led to the graduation of about 700 households, whose livelihoods have improved greatly, would not have been possible without the political will from the present administration.
Hajiya Maryam Jibrillla wife of Adamawa state Governor, in her remark applauded the effort of all stakeholders on the lives of OVC in the state and assured them of her support and that of the Governor.
She lauded FHI360 and United States government for the support and urged other organizations and spirited individuals to support the vulnerable ones in the society.