THE Cross River State Government has reassured its residents that access to HIV treatment and related medical services will remain uninterrupted, despite recent global funding uncertainties.
In a statement released after a meeting with partners and stakeholders in Calabar on Friday, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, emphasized that individuals affected by HIV should continue their treatment regimens as usual. This assurance comes in light of recent executive orders and potential funding reductions by the U.S. government, which have raised concerns about the continuity of HIV programs globally.
Dr. Ayuk informed journalists that, following a 90-day suspension of foreign aid, the U.S. government has issued a waiver allowing the continuation of lifesaving antiretroviral treatments and essential medical services for those living with HIV. He referenced a statement from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) confirming this development.
"Meetings with funders, implementing partners, government officials, and support groups for people living with HIV are ongoing to ensure that treatment services are not disrupted," Dr. Ayuk stated. He underscored that consistent treatment is vital for keeping patients healthy, suppressing viral loads, and contributing to the global effort to eliminate HIV.
"In the face of dwindling donor support, as demonstrated recently by U.S. executive orders, the Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to mobilize domestic resources for primary healthcare and disease control programs, particularly for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria," he concluded.
This proactive stance aims to safeguard the health and well-being of residents, ensuring that critical healthcare services remain accessible despite external funding challenges.
Ebi Collins, Beagle News
