The HIV/AIDS has reportedly killed no fewer than 46 widows across Delta State, while 26 others are said to be on death roll.
Dependable sources said widows in the state, especially young ones have been indulging in promiscuity as a means of surviving, as well as cater for their children.
Speaking with journalists yesterday in Asaba, Director of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) for AIDs; Health Wise, Mrs. Gloria Essireh disclosed that the figures of those killed by the disease was made known in the health statistics made available to her organization between 2009/2010.
While calling on the widows to show respect for womanhood, the NGO Director said poverty among others, have contributed to the increasing rate of the disease.
“Since we started this NGO, our observation is that poverty among others has contributed to the increase in HIV/AIDS diseases”, she added.
Asaba and its environs witnessed the influx of widows who have reportedly lost their husbands at tender ages to assume landladies. These widows, our informed sources said are allegedly promiscuous; thus keeping relationship with teenage boys.
The State Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Otumara, last week told journalists that the state government was committed to the welfare of the widows, adding that plans were on-going to put them on monthly stipend.
But those in the know said widows in Asaba are happier to be landladies as their dreams and expectations are met by he wealth of their late husbands.
Sources close to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, said statistics of widows living with HIV/AIDS are more than spinsters/bachelors.
A medical doctor who did not want his name in the print said many of the widows are between 22 and 23 whose husbands were said to have died mysteriously.