The Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau state has described an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA. Dr. Patrick Dakum as an invaluable asset and a rare gem in health sector.
The Governor made the statement during the 60th Birthday Celebration and Book Launch of Dr. Patrick Dakum at Langfield in Jos during the weekend.
Lalong who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Datti explained that the celebrant has been a blessing not only to Plateau state and Nigeria, but to the world.
The Governor also urged people occupying positions to assist less privileged as Dr. Dakum was doing.
The book on the celebrant titled, "The Riples Effect Dr. Patrick Dakum (A Testimonial) written by Sarah Dakum was also unveiled.
In his review of the book, Professor Clement Dakas said that Dr. Dakum also serving as a Chief Executive Officer of Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria and has led his institute to provide HIV counseling and testing for 8.3 million individuals.
"Through his harwork his institute also provide anti-retroviral prophylaxis for over 85, 000 pregnant women and enrolled more than 465, 000 people into HIV program and over 3000 multi-drug resistant patients were admitted for treatment.