As part of its efforts to deepen private sector involvement in Nigeria\u2019s health sector, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) accepted a contribution from a leading indigenous oil firm Belemaoil Producing Nigeria Limited today to support USAID\u2019s activities to eradicate HIV and AIDS in Akwa Ibom State.<\/p>\n
Under an agreement signed on August 13, 2020, Belemaoil will contribute to the provision of 75,000 rapid test kits to Akwa Ibom state government through USAID\u2019s HIV\/AIDS program.\u00a0 The kits will specifically be used to test high risk adolescents and young women as well as children to prevent mother-to-child transmission and help health clinics improve antenatal services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis collaboration is a great example of USAID\u2019s approach of engaging the Nigerian private sector to develop local solutions to address local problems,\u201d USAID Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin said at the virtual signing ceremony today.\u00a0 \u201cThis contribution to fill a critical gap in testing for HIV\/AIDS in Akwa Ibom state.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the signing, Belemaoil Managing Director Pedro Diaz said: \u201cThis contribution is part of our corporate social responsibility commitment to Nigeria and is the start of greater engagement through reputable partners like USAID to support local communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2019, USAID tested over 1.8 million people for HIV, and funded treatment for 96 percent of the 80,600 identified as positive.\u00a0 USAID has placed 349,500 HIV-positive Nigerians on treatment and has committed to placing an additional 95,500 on lifesaving therapy, and continues to provide health agencies test kits and medicines, as well as support more than half a million children orphaned or otherwise affected by HIV.<\/p>\n
Belemaoil is the operator of OML 55 located about 40km west of Bonney Terminal in the mangrove swamp to shallow water offshore in the south-eastern part of the Niger Delta and covers an area of 852km\u00b2 approximately. It is situated in the coastal depobelt of the Niger Delta of Nigeria.<\/em><\/p>\n