As the global community gathered to mark the 2022 World AIDS Day, Cross River Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has reaffirmed his administration’s firm determination to sustain the fight against AIDS in the State.
The governor made the declaration, today, during the World AIDS Day ceremony held at Calabar Municipal Council, Calabar.
Ayade, represented by the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, said, “Today, we join the rest of the world to mark the World AIDS Day. Such event reminds us HIV/AIDS is real. It also reminds us of the progress made in the fight against the disease.”
Speaking further, Governor Ayade mentioned that the reality that AIDS today is no longer a death sentence, gives credibility to the global progress made in the fight against AIDS.
“As a government, we are committed to this fight. We will continue to do our best to ensure that drugs and other life-saving interventions to help us end AIDS are provided.
“We will also continue to provide a conducive environment for our partners to thrive, as we leverage on their support for accessibility to HIV/AIDS services and every other healthcare needs, aligning with this year’s theme “Equalise to end AIDS, Equal Access to Treatment and Prevention Services,” the governor reassured.
He pointed out that though the State’s reduction to two percent prevalence rate speaks of the remarkable efforts made by all stakeholders, it calls for more work to be done in the HIV/AIDS response, with the Cross River sitting 12th on the national prevalence rankings.
While calling for more partnerships from well-meaning organizations, Ayade pledged to strengthen existing collaborations in the eradication of HIV/AIDS in the State.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Iwara Dr. Iwara lauded the present administration for placing high premium on the health of its citizens. He also thanked the wife of the governor, Dr. Linda Ayade for her immense contributions to the health sector in the State through her Mediatrix Foundation.
The Permanent Secretary also appreciated the support all stakeholders in fight against HIV/AIDS, with a promise to instill more discipline and enhance professional standards in the health sector, in order for health personnel to be on par with other stakeholders in the resolute fight against HIV/AIDS in the State.
In a vote of thanks, Mr. Iferi Obeten, who spoke on behalf of the Director General, Cross River State Action Against AIDS (CR-SACA), Dr. Echeri Ansa thanked the State government, development partners, line ministries as well as all stakeholders who have been part of the success story of the fight for the eradication of AIDS in the State.
High points of the event were the World AIDS Day City Walk, presentation of prizes to winners of the Linda Ayade running competition, as well as dance and drama by youth groups.
