The Cross River State Government has assured residents living with HIV/AIDS of an adequate supply of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, made this promise during an awareness rally to mark World AIDS Day 2025 , theme; "Sustaining Nigeria's HIV Response," at the Christmas Village, following a four-kilometer sensitization walk.
Otu emphasized, “I want to inform those living with this disease that, in line with our ‘people first’ mantra, it's no longer a death sentence. Arrangements have been made to supply all government facilities across the 18 Local Government Areas with your drugs and other essential commodities.”
He further noted that efforts are underway to ensure universal health coverage and free healthcare for those affected.
The Governor highlighted plans for local production of necessary drugs and the establishment of a drug and health commodities management agency to ensure sustainable healthcare services.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, expressed concern over the persistent prevalence rate since 2018 and pledged funding for awareness campaigns in high-risk areas.
Dr. Gloria Archibong, Acting State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), urged for a sustainable, locally-led HIV response through increased domestic investment. She stressed the importance of prioritizing services for vulnerable populations and tackling stigma and discrimination.
Also speaking, Mr. Lanre Alabi, Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst at UNFPA, reiterated the global community's commitment to achieving an AIDS-free future.
Earlier in his Dr. Charles Iwara, Director General of the Cross River Agency for the Control of AIDS, reported successful awareness campaigns and screenings, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat new infections.
He also announced a proactive initiative engaging youth in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
"As World AIDS Day is observed, it is crucial to remember the importance of collective action to combat HIV/AIDS in Cross River State.
"We must remain committed to ensuring access to healthcare and support for all, working towards an AIDS-free future with zero infections by 2030," the DG added.
The rally included a three-kilometer walk to raise awareness about HIV and the need for community engagement.
To commemorate this year's World AIDS Day, several activities were held, including a Jumaat service at Ikot Ansa Mosque and an interdenominational church service at Jubilee Nations International Churches, 55 Webber, Calabar, led by the DG.
Clerics at both worship centers prayed for sustained efforts to educate and sensitize the public on the dangers of contracting the disease, while urging for adequate funding for response activities.
Within the week, a marathon race was held for adolescents in secondary schools, with schools from Bakassi Local Government Area emerging victorious, scooping prizes in both the male and female categories of the competition, outperforming their counterparts from Akpabuyo and Calabar South local government areas.
World AIDS Day is celebrated each year on December 1 to promote awareness of HIV and AIDS, show solidarity with affected communities, and support individuals living with the virus. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event, celebrated worldwide under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
This year's theme emphasizes the need to address challenges and disruptions in the fight against HIV/AIDS, such as funding gaps, stigma, and health system weaknesses. It highlights the importance of transforming the HIV/AIDS response by strengthening health systems, promoting community engagement, and leveraging locally based innovation to improve services.
It calls for a sustained and collective effort to prioritize the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and ensure access to quality healthcare and support services, with the ultimate goal of building a more resilient and effective response that leaves no one behind with our resourcesNakanda Iyadim:
Gov. Otu Assures Adequate Supply of ARVs for HIV/AIDS Patients, as C'River Commemorate World AIDS Day
By Nakanda Iyadim
The Cross River State Government has assured residents living with HIV/AIDS of an adequate supply of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, made this promise during an awareness rally to mark World AIDS Day 2025 , theme; "Sustaining Nigeria's HIV Response," at the Christmas Village, following a four-kilometer sensitization walk.
Otu emphasized, “I want to inform those living with this disease that, in line with our ‘people first’ mantra, it's no longer a death sentence. Arrangements have been made to supply all government facilities across the 18 Local Government Areas with your drugs and other essential commodities.”
He further noted that efforts are underway to ensure universal health coverage and free healthcare for those affected.
The Governor highlighted plans for local production of necessary drugs and the establishment of a drug and health commodities management agency to ensure sustainable healthcare services.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, expressed concern over the persistent prevalence rate since 2018 and pledged funding for awareness campaigns in high-risk areas.
Dr. Gloria Archibong, Acting State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), urged for a sustainable, locally-led HIV response through increased domestic investment. She stressed the importance of prioritizing services for vulnerable populations and tackling stigma and discrimination.
Also speaking, Mr. Lanre Alabi, Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst at UNFPA, reiterated the global community's commitment to achieving an AIDS-free future.
Earlier in his Dr. Charles Iwara, Director General of the Cross River Agency for the Control of AIDS, reported successful awareness campaigns and screenings, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat new infections.
He also announced a proactive initiative engaging youth in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
"As World AIDS Day is observed, it is crucial to remember the importance of collective action to combat HIV/AIDS in Cross River State.
"We must remain committed to ensuring access to healthcare and support for all, working towards an AIDS-free future with zero infections by 2030," the DG added.
The rally included a three-kilometer walk to raise awareness about HIV and the need for community engagement.
To commemorate this year's World AIDS Day, several activities were held, including a Jumaat service at Ikot Ansa Mosque and an interdenominational church service at Jubilee Nations International Churches, 55 Webber, Calabar, led by the DG.
Clerics at both worship centers prayed for sustained efforts to educate and sensitize the public on the dangers of contracting the disease, while urging for adequate funding for response activities.
Within the week, a marathon race was held for adolescents in secondary schools, with schools from Bakassi Local Government Area emerging victorious, scooping prizes in both the male and female categories of the competition, outperforming their counterparts from Akpabuyo and Calabar South local government areas.
World AIDS Day is celebrated each year on December 1 to promote awareness of HIV and AIDS, show solidarity with affected communities, and support individuals living with the virus. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event, celebrated worldwide under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
This year's theme emphasizes the need to address challenges and disruptions in the fight against HIV/AIDS, such as funding gaps, stigma, and health system weaknesses. It highlights the importance of transforming the HIV/AIDS response by strengthening health systems, promoting community engagement, and leveraging locally based innovation to improve services.
It calls for a sustained and collective effort to prioritize the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and ensure access to quality healthcare and support services, with the ultimate goal of building a more resilient and effective response that leaves no one behind with our resources.
Nakanda Iyadim
