The Bauchi State chapter of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) wants the state government help in training members to acquire skills.
Its coordinator, Mr Abdullahi Ibrahim, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Wednesday that the skills acquisition would help to improve the psycho-social health of beneficiaries.  “We are calling on the state government to include NEPWAN in its livelihood training and other programmes.
“This will enhance members’ financial status and improve their psycho-social well-being. “As a network, we are yet to be included in any of the state government’s skills acquisition programmes,’’ he said.
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He said that the skills training would also engage members and make them to become self-reliant. He added that NEPWAN members needed extra financial empowerment to cope with their health and family responsibilities.
Ibrahim also claimed that the organisation was neglected by the authorities during campaigns against the spread of HIV and AIDS.
According to him, with more than 20,000 people living with the virus in Bauchi State, skills, trades and livelihood support are fundamental in the fight against the spread of the virus.
Ibrahim also called on stakeholders to revive activities around HIV and AIDS in the state to guard public health.
NAN
